improving police-community relations through community policing

Improving Police-Community Improving Police-Community Relations Through Community Relations Through Community

PolicingPolicing

National Crime Prevention Council National Crime Prevention Council

2007–20082007–2008

National Crime Prevention Council National Crime Prevention Council 22

Goal of This PresentationGoal of This Presentation

To help participants understand To help participants understand how relations between the how relations between the

community and law enforcement community and law enforcement can be strengthened through can be strengthened through community policing strategiescommunity policing strategies


ObjectivesObjectives

Define community policing and its principlesDefine community policing and its principles

Describe the benefits and the importance of Describe the benefits and the importance of citizen involvementcitizen involvement

Identify strategies for effective communicationIdentify strategies for effective communication

Identify the six factors for improving police Identify the six factors for improving police community relationscommunity relations

Describe the benefits of Neighborhood WatchDescribe the benefits of Neighborhood Watch


Crime Prevention As a BridgeCrime Prevention As a Bridge

Crime Prevention efforts reduce polarization Crime Prevention efforts reduce polarization that sometimes exists between police and that sometimes exists between police and citizens.citizens.

Community Policing, Neighborhood Watch, Community Policing, Neighborhood Watch, Orange Hat Patrols, Weed and Seed, and Orange Hat Patrols, Weed and Seed, and McGruff programs build a bridge that enables McGruff programs build a bridge that enables residents and law enforcement to residents and law enforcement to communicate, collaborate, and work together communicate, collaborate, and work together to build safer, more caring communities.to build safer, more caring communities.


The Benefits of ImprovedThe Benefits of Improved Police-Community Relations Police-Community Relations

Improved Relations Allow Police Officers to Improved Relations Allow Police Officers to

Police more effectivelyPolice more effectively

Find their jobs safer and easier to doFind their jobs safer and easier to do

Face less litigation and gain longer Face less litigation and gain longer careerscareers

Be treated with greater respectBe treated with greater respect

Have better moraleHave better morale


The Benefits of Improved Police-The Benefits of Improved Police-Community RelationsCommunity Relations (continued)(continued)

Improved Relations Allow Community Residents toImproved Relations Allow Community Residents to

Have more trust and less fear of police Have more trust and less fear of police

Have a safer community Have a safer community

Have less tension and conflictHave less tension and conflict

Gain greater cooperation from policeGain greater cooperation from police

Gain increased safety for children and seniorsGain increased safety for children and seniors

Gain quicker resolution to crimeGain quicker resolution to crime


A Bit of HistoryA Bit of History

Community PolicingCommunity Policing


Sir Robert PeelSir Robert PeelConsidered a “father” of law enforcementConsidered a “father” of law enforcement

Are his principles of Are his principles of policing still policing still applicable today?applicable today?

Absolutely!Absolutely!


Sir Robert Peel’s Sir Robert Peel’s Nine Principles of PolicingNine Principles of Policing

1. The basic mission of the police is to prevent 1. The basic mission of the police is to prevent crime and disorder.crime and disorder.

2. The ability of the police to perform their duties is 2. The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police dependent upon public approval of police actions.actions.

3. Police must secure the willing cooperation of the 3. Police must secure the willing cooperation of the public.public.

4.4. The degree of cooperation of the public that can The degree of cooperation of the public that can be secured diminishes proportionally to the be secured diminishes proportionally to the necessity of the use of force.necessity of the use of force.


55. . Police seek and preserve public favor.Police seek and preserve public favor.6. Police use physical force to the extent 6. Police use physical force to the extent

necessary.necessary.7. Police at all times should maintain a 7. Police at all times should maintain a

relationship with the public.relationship with the public.8. Police should always direct their actions 8. Police should always direct their actions

strictly toward their functions.strictly toward their functions.9. The test of police efficiency is the absence 9. The test of police efficiency is the absence

of crime and disorder.of crime and disorder.

Sir Robert Peel’s Sir Robert Peel’s Nine Principles of Policing Nine Principles of Policing (continued)(continued)


“Community policing is a philosophy that promotes and supports organizational

strategies to address the causes of crime, to reduce the fear of crime and social disorder

through problem-solving tactics and community-police partnerships.”

Source: Community Oriented Policing Services Office



The Eight “P”s of Community Policing

A PHILOSOPHY of full service,

PERSONALIZED

POLICING, where the same officer

PATROLS and works in the same area on a

PERMANENT basis, from a decentralized

PLACE, working in

PARTNERSHIP with citizens to identify and solve

PROBLEMS



The community-policing philosophy rests on The community-policing philosophy rests on the belief that law-abiding citizens in the the belief that law-abiding citizens in the

community have a responsibility to community have a responsibility to participate in the police process. It also rests participate in the police process. It also rests

on the belief that solutions to today’s on the belief that solutions to today’s contemporary community problems demand contemporary community problems demand freeing both community residents and law freeing both community residents and law enforcement to explore creative ways to enforcement to explore creative ways to

address neighborhood concerns beyond a address neighborhood concerns beyond a narrow focus on individual crimes.narrow focus on individual crimes.


The more the various The more the various groups share groups share common values, common values, beliefs, and goals, the beliefs, and goals, the more likely it is that more likely it is that they will agree on they will agree on common goals.common goals.

Normative Sponsorship Theory

Most people are of Most people are of good will.good will.

They will cooperate with others to facilitate

the building of consensus.


Critical Social TheoryCritical Social Theory

EnlightenmentEnlightenment

Give informationGive information

EmpowermentTake action to improve conditions

Emancipation

People can achieve through social action


Community Relationships Community Relationships ProvideProvide

Worth in social valueWorth in social value• A more informed citizenryA more informed citizenry

• Example to young people and othersExample to young people and others

Added valueAdded value• Opportunity to learn about law enforcement while Opportunity to learn about law enforcement while

working with law enforcementworking with law enforcement• Learning about citizens’ concernsLearning about citizens’ concerns


How Do People How Do People View the Police?View the Police?


Agencies Opening Their Doors to Agencies Opening Their Doors to Citizens Through Citizen Police Citizens Through Citizen Police

AcademiesAcademies

Why is it important?Why is it important?

Who can it benefit?Who can it benefit?


Philosophy of the Citizens’ Philosophy of the Citizens’ Police AcademyPolice Academy

Agency size and demographics can Agency size and demographics can sometimes create barriers between the police sometimes create barriers between the police and those they serve.and those they serve.

Community policing is paramount to the Community policing is paramount to the effectiveness of crime reduction.effectiveness of crime reduction.

Police image: There are many Police image: There are many misconceptions to dispel.misconceptions to dispel.


Philosophy of the Citizens’ Police Philosophy of the Citizens’ Police Academy Academy (continued)(continued)

CommunityCommunityPolicePoliceBusinessBusiness

SchoolsSchoolsGovernmentGovernmentYouthYouth

Who Will Benefit From It?

EVERYONE!


Philosophy of the Citizens’ Police Philosophy of the Citizens’ Police Academy Academy (continued)(continued)

• Improved Improved cooperationcooperation

• Less apathyLess apathy• Reduction in Reduction in

crimecrime• Reduction in fear Reduction in fear

of crimeof crime

• Better Better communicationscommunications

• Improved police Improved police imageimage

• Clear Clear understandingunderstanding

What They Can AccomplishWhat They Can Accomplish


Volunteers in Volunteers in Police ServicePolice Service

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

Provides support for resource-constrained police departments by incorporating civilian volunteers so that law enforcement professionals have more time for frontline duty

WebsiteWebsitewww.policevolunteers.orgwww.policevolunteers.org


Volunteers in Police Service Volunteers in Police Service (continued)(continued)

Foundations of the VIPS Foundations of the VIPS ProgramProgram

• 2002 Presidential initiative2002 Presidential initiative• Department of Justice and Department of Justice and

IACP responsibilitiesIACP responsibilities

ConceptConcept• Volunteers from the communityVolunteers from the community• Expanding law enforcement to Expanding law enforcement to

the communitythe community


Volunteers in Police Service Volunteers in Police Service (continued)(continued)

Why they are neededWhy they are needed• Ease demands on law enforcementEase demands on law enforcement• Encourage a more informed citizenryEncourage a more informed citizenry• Provide an example to young peopleProvide an example to young people• Improve cooperation and understanding Improve cooperation and understanding

between the police and their communitybetween the police and their community


Considerations of Community Considerations of Community InteractionInteraction

How community volunteers can be used How community volunteers can be used within their communitywithin their community- Legal issuesLegal issues- Safety issuesSafety issues- Expertise issuesExpertise issues


Community/Police Needs and Community/Police Needs and SupportSupport

Filling needs with volunteersFilling needs with volunteers• Coordinating positionCoordinating position• Prerecruitment action requiredPrerecruitment action required• Role of the International Association of Chiefs Role of the International Association of Chiefs

of Police (IACP)of Police (IACP)• Match volunteers to the organization’s Match volunteers to the organization’s

strategic planstrategic plan• Possible volunteer positions (adapt to local Possible volunteer positions (adapt to local

needs)needs)


Recruiting and MarketingRecruiting and Marketing

Recruitment strategyRecruitment strategy• Who is your target?Who is your target?• Develop a planDevelop a plan• Recognize important existing networks and Recognize important existing networks and

tap intotap intoChurches, PTAs, community councils, Kiwanis, Churches, PTAs, community councils, Kiwanis,

Rotarians, etc.Rotarians, etc.Elementary and secondary schools Elementary and secondary schools Youth, courts, citizens’ police academiesYouth, courts, citizens’ police academies


Develop organizational marketing Develop organizational marketing materialsmaterials• WebsitesWebsites• BrochuresBrochures• Fliers/handouts/fact sheetsFliers/handouts/fact sheets• Store window postersStore window posters• Ads in local papersAds in local papers• Cable channel accessCable channel access

Recruiting and Marketing Recruiting and Marketing (continued)(continued)


Media assistanceMedia assistance• Public service announcementsPublic service announcements• News releasesNews releases

Prerecruitment strategyPrerecruitment strategy• Secure top management buy-inSecure top management buy-in• Develop organization marketing materialsDevelop organization marketing materials

Recruiting and Marketing Recruiting and Marketing (continued)(continued)


• Position descriptionPosition description• Time commitmentTime commitment• Defined program Defined program

activitiesactivities• Direct supervisorDirect supervisor• Website access for Website access for

personal record of personal record of service/journalservice/journal

What Does a Citizen Need To What Does a Citizen Need To Know Before VolunteeringKnow Before Volunteering??

• How long should How long should volunteers serve?volunteers serve?

• Age criteriaAge criteria• Citizens’ police Citizens’ police

academy attendance academy attendance prior to serviceprior to service


Police Agency Management and Police Agency Management and Administrative IssuesAdministrative Issues

Agency mission, objectives, and goalsAgency mission, objectives, and goals• Define the agency’s mission, objectives, and Define the agency’s mission, objectives, and

goalsgoals• Define concepts and political considerations Define concepts and political considerations

for volunteers for volunteers • Define objectives and goals within the Define objectives and goals within the

agency’s mission for volunteersagency’s mission for volunteers• Define clear and specific department Define clear and specific department

guidelines for volunteersguidelines for volunteers


• Develop a prerecruitment strategy according Develop a prerecruitment strategy according to the Volunteers in Police Service’s goal to to the Volunteers in Police Service’s goal to help resource-constrained agencieshelp resource-constrained agencies

• Internal management responsibilitiesInternal management responsibilities• External management responsibilitiesExternal management responsibilities• Who can manage the programWho can manage the program• Training issuesTraining issues• Liability issuesLiability issues• Funding issuesFunding issues

VIPS Management and VIPS Management and Administrative IssuesAdministrative Issues


Strategies for Effective Strategies for Effective CommunicationCommunication


Trust Building ModelTrust Building Model

TRUST

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

RELATIONSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP BUILDING

GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND RANGE OF SOLUTIONS

GREATER SUCCESS !


The Communication ProcessThe Communication Process

Message cuesMessage cues

Listener supplies meaningListener supplies meaning

ContentContent

Relate to your audience; build Relate to your audience; build rapportrapport


The Communication Process The Communication Process (continued)(continued)

One-way or two-way communicationOne-way or two-way communication

Consider verbal and nonverbal cuesConsider verbal and nonverbal cues

Physical appearancePhysical appearance

Solicit student engagement and Solicit student engagement and participation by using open-ended participation by using open-ended questions and feedback.questions and feedback.


Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication ConsiderationsConsiderations

Facial expressionFacial expression

Tone of voiceTone of voice

Eye contactEye contact

TouchTouch

Personal spacePersonal space

TerritorialityTerritoriality

TimeTime


Building Trust Through Effective Building Trust Through Effective CommunicationCommunication

Effective ListeningEffective Listening

• Listen to learn and understand, not to Listen to learn and understand, not to challenge or persuade.challenge or persuade.

• Take turns and listen for Take turns and listen for factsfacts and and feelingsfeelings. (Both are important.). (Both are important.)


Six Factors Necessary Six Factors Necessary To Improve To Improve

Police-Community RelationsPolice-Community Relations


The Six FactorsThe Six Factors

1.1. MembershipMembership

2.2. EnvironmentEnvironment

3.3. Process and StructureProcess and Structure

4.4. CommunicationsCommunications

5.5. PurposePurpose

6.6. ResourcesResources


MembershipMembership

1.1. Appropriate cross-section of membersAppropriate cross-section of members

2.2. Mutual respect, understanding, and trustMutual respect, understanding, and trust

3.3. Members see that collaboration is in their Members see that collaboration is in their best interest.best interest.

4.4. Members develop an ability to Members develop an ability to compromise.compromise.


EnvironmentEnvironment

1.1. Political and social climate are favorable.Political and social climate are favorable.

2.2. Collaborative group is viewed as a leader Collaborative group is viewed as a leader in the community.in the community.

3.3. There is a history or evidence of There is a history or evidence of collaboration or cooperation in the collaboration or cooperation in the community.community.


Process and StructureProcess and Structure1.1. Members are invested in the process as Members are invested in the process as

well as the outcome.well as the outcome.

2.2. Clear roles and responsibilitiesClear roles and responsibilities

3.3. FlexibilityFlexibility

4.4. AdaptabilityAdaptability

5.5. Equal decision-making authority is held Equal decision-making authority is held by each member regardless of rank, by each member regardless of rank, authority, or place in the hierarchy.authority, or place in the hierarchy.


CommunicationCommunication

1.1. Members learn to listen and allow Members learn to listen and allow venting.venting.

2.2. There is open and frequent There is open and frequent communication.communication.

3.3. Members disclose self interest at first Members disclose self interest at first meeting.meeting.

4.4. Members establish informal and formal Members establish informal and formal means of communication. means of communication.


PurposePurpose

1.1. Concrete, attainable goals and objectivesConcrete, attainable goals and objectives

2.2. Shared visionShared vision

3.3. Desired results and strategiesDesired results and strategies


ResourcesResources

1.1. A skilled and unbiased convener of A skilled and unbiased convener of meetingsmeetings

2.2. Staff time and volunteer timeStaff time and volunteer time

3.3. Sufficient funds Sufficient funds

Crime in Your Crime in Your NeighborhoodNeighborhood

A A lack of community involvementlack of community involvement may lead to some of the most serious may lead to some of the most serious and perplexing problems your and perplexing problems your community faces.community faces.


Why Is Community Involvement Why Is Community Involvement Important?Important?

When members of a community are When members of a community are involved with each other, they knowinvolved with each other, they know• Their neighborsTheir neighbors• The daily “goings-on” in the neighborhoodThe daily “goings-on” in the neighborhood• When something is wrongWhen something is wrong


One great way to perpetuate One great way to perpetuate community involvement is community involvement is through the Neighborhood through the Neighborhood

Watch program.Watch program.


What Is the Neighborhood Watch What Is the Neighborhood Watch Program?Program?

Neighborhood Watch was established in Neighborhood Watch was established in 1970 to bring residents together to interact 1970 to bring residents together to interact and become the guardians for the police and become the guardians for the police in their community. in their community.


Neighborhood WatchNeighborhood WatchCrime prevention group organized around a block, defined neighborhood, or business districtServes as “eyes and ears” for law enforcementHelps establish or reclaim informal control of an area by observation, visibility, and increased social interactionDonates time and resourcesUsually has no formal budget or funding sourceSuccess results in reduction in crime and improved quality of life for neighborhood residents


The Benefits of The Benefits of Neighborhood WatchNeighborhood Watch

Unites the community and increases Unites the community and increases neighborhood cohesion neighborhood cohesion Reduces fear of crime in the community Reduces fear of crime in the community Improves crime reporting by citizensImproves crime reporting by citizensIncreases surveillance in the community Increases surveillance in the community Prevents and reduces crime Prevents and reduces crime Enhances homeland security Enhances homeland security


The Benefits of The Benefits of Neighborhood Watch Neighborhood Watch (continued)(continued)

Studies show that Neighborhood Watch is Studies show that Neighborhood Watch is effective becauseeffective because

It unites neighbors around a common goal—safety and It unites neighbors around a common goal—safety and security. security. It provides all members basic skills on preventing crime It provides all members basic skills on preventing crime and reporting suspicious activities or crimes.and reporting suspicious activities or crimes.It builds a base for correcting neighborhood problems.It builds a base for correcting neighborhood problems.It works well with other civic activities. It works well with other civic activities.

Additional Additional Citizen ActionsCitizen Actions

Discuss your community’s overall security, Discuss your community’s overall security, including lighting, and contact neighbors or including lighting, and contact neighbors or the proper authorities to request necessary the proper authorities to request necessary improvements.improvements.

Contact your local law enforcement agency Contact your local law enforcement agency and work with it to discuss basic community and work with it to discuss basic community modifications that may overcome current modifications that may overcome current problems.problems.


Are state crime prevention associations and Are state crime prevention associations and Neighborhood Watch programs involved in Neighborhood Watch programs involved in

community policing and homeland security?community policing and homeland security?

Absolutely!


How Can Citizens Be More How Can Citizens Be More Aware?Aware?

Be informedBe informed

Be alertBe alert

Be preparedBe prepared


In ConclusionIn Conclusion

Community policing is the responsibility of Community policing is the responsibility of bothboth law enforcement and community law enforcement and community members. Both have important roles in members. Both have important roles in community policing.community policing.

There are many ways to involve the There are many ways to involve the community in crime-reduction and problem community in crime-reduction and problem solving, including community meetings and solving, including community meetings and citizens’ police academies.citizens’ police academies.

Police and local citizens are all members of Police and local citizens are all members of the community.the community.


QuestionsQuestions


Special Thanks toSpecial Thanks to

Tri-State RCPITri-State RCPI

for providing their materials for this for providing their materials for this presentationpresentation


ResourcesResources

www.ncpc.org


ResourcesResources

Community Policing ConsortiumCommunity Policing Consortium

www.communitypolicing.orgwww.communitypolicing.org

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

www.policevolunteers.orgwww.policevolunteers.org

Citizen CorpsCitizen Corps

www.citizencorps.govwww.citizencorps.gov


ResourcesResources

National Sheriffs’ AssociationNational Sheriffs’ Association

1450 Duke Street1450 Duke Street

Alexandria, VA 22314Alexandria, VA 22314

703-836-7827 703-836-7827

www.sheriffs.orgwww.sheriffs.org

www.USAonwatch.orgwww.USAonwatch.org


The National Crime Prevention The National Crime Prevention CouncilCouncil

2345 Crystal Drive2345 Crystal Drive

Suite 500Suite 500

Arlington, VA 22202Arlington, VA 22202

202-466-6272202-466-6272

FAX 202-296-1356FAX 202-296-1356

www.ncpc.orgwww.ncpc.org

Thank YouThank You

Officer Michael Riemer Officer Michael Riemer


improving police-community relations through community policing

Documents

absence of crime

police officers

fear of police

bridgecrime prevention

safer community

test of police efficiency

community residents

public favor