Introduction Community policing represents a paradigm shift in law enforcement philosophy, emphasizing collaboration, trust-building, and problem-solving between police and the communities they serve. This essay explores the four dimensions of community policing and their effects on police administration, drawing insights from Chief Mangan's approach in Spokane, Washington, as outlined in Case Study 3. Additionally, it delves into the exercise of discretion by officers, considering reasons, factors, and the debate surrounding its regulation. Finally, it examines the portrayal of police work in popular culture and its impact on public perception and police effectiveness. Dimensions of Community Policing Community Partnerships and Problem-Solving: …show more content…
He prioritized transparency, employee empowerment, and partnership development to foster a culture of trust and accountability within the department. Mangan's strategic planning focused on aligning departmental goals with community priorities, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and performance measurement to evaluate outcomes effectively (Smith, 2018). Mangan's emphasis on organizational transformation and decentralization enabled officers to respond more effectively to local needs and tailor their approaches to specific communities. By empowering frontline personnel to make autonomous decisions and encouraging innovation in problem-solving efforts, Mangan fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among officers, leading to increased job satisfaction and organizational commitment (Smith, 2018). Furthermore, Mangan's commitment to prevention and proactive policing underscored the department's dedication to addressing underlying factors contributing to crime and disorder. Mangan sought to leverage resources effectively and implement holistic prevention initiatives to reduce crime and improve public safety by collaborating with other government agencies, social service providers, and community organizations. Chief Mangan's approach to organizational change and community policing in Spokane, …show more content…
One primary reason is to maintain public order and safety while prioritizing limited resources effectively (Cordner, 2019). For example, when confronted with minor infractions or situations where strict enforcement may not be warranted, officers may choose to use discretion to issue warnings or resolve the matter informally. Additionally, officers may consider factors such as the severity of the offense, the suspect's demeanor, and the surrounding circumstances when deciding whether to make an arrest or pursue alternative actions. Other factors influencing an officer's decision to exercise discretion include departmental policies, community expectations, and the officer's judgment and experience. For instance, officers may consider departmental guidelines, such as community-oriented policing initiatives or directives regarding de-escalation techniques, when determining the appropriate course of action. Community dynamics and the relationship between law enforcement and the community can also play a significant role, as officers may tailor their approach based on community feedback and
Terry Mangan served as chief of police of the Spokane the Washington Police Department (SWPD), from 1987 to1998. He was recruited by city manager Terry Novak. Mangan was the first person designated as a high ranking official to be selected from outside the division because Mr. Novak was not impressed with any in-house candidates. Not only was Mangan recognized for his approach to administrative modifications to policing within the public, but he also implemented the construction of headquarters for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The reason for community policing is to connect gaps and encourage societies and the police to work together in an effort to solve to solve problems effectively as a team. (Cordner, 2016). When Mangan
In correlation in examining other important elements in community policing, importance is placed on the people and their concerns. The ideology of law enforcement shifts from a crime fighting role to a service related role. Also, the sole responsibility of crime control is shared between the police, the citizens, and other civic organizations. Finally, not only is crime addressed, but also crime control, quality of life issues, and social issues as
Barker, Thomas, Ronald D. Hunter, and Pamela D. Mayhall. Police Community Relation and Administration of Justice. 4th ed. NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc, 1995
Community policing has emerged since the 1970s as an increasingly important strategy for controlling and preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It is both a philosophy and an organizational strategy that allows the police and the community to work closely together in creative ways to solve the problems of crime, drugs, fear of crime, physical and social disorder, neighborhood decay, and the overall quality of life in the community. Community policing is difficult to define. Although it does not have a single definition, there are many elements of community policing.
Community-oriented policing is commonly by used by law enforcement agencies (Kerley and Benson 2000, 46). Community-oriented policing was designed to enhance police service and solve problems through an interactive process with members of the community. This included, preventative measures, problem solving and community partnership (Sciarabba 2009, Kerley and Benson 2000; Mirsky 2009). By including community partnership, it creates open communication between the police and members of the community which in turn, allows the police to be more efficient in developing peace and security in the community (Sciarabba 2009; Kerley and Benson 2000; Mirsky 2009).
Community Orientated Policing is widely held as the new and correct style for American policing. For the past decade the community policing movement has been gaining momentum acquiring the support of politicians, scholars, reformers, and the public. Police chiefs around the country are now feeling the pressures of implementation from citizens and local government officials. Many high ranking professional police organization have placed their seal of approval on the new style of policing, including the Police Executive Research forum, the Police Foundation, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, The National Organization Of Black Law Enforcement Executives, And the National Sheriff’s Association. The following U.S. presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush, And Ronald Reagan have all supported community policing, and with the recent passage of the 1994 Crime Act, community policing has received the approval and go ahead from the Federal government (Maguire p368). Due to the involvement of the federal government many American police departments are reporting that they already have or are attempting to implement a community policing program, eventhough a large number of them do not fully understand the implication and obstacles they face with the implementation of the program. Most of the agencies are just inquiring due to the funding. Most of the police organizations applying for the grants do not fully understand the new style, and either intentionally or unintentionally misuse the funds. Community orientated policing is a proactive philosophy that promotes solving problems that are either criminal, affect the quality of life, or increase citizens fear of crime. It involves identifying, analyzing and addressing community problems at their source. Unfortunately, many individuals, both in and outside of policing see community policing as merely putting officers on foot or bike patrol, or by opening mini-stations amongst the community. These approaches misrepresent the true potential of community policing and establish simplistic expectations. (Glensor p14). These simplistic goals, unfortunately, do not allow for the implementer to ready him or herself to be ready for the obstacles they face with the implementation of the program. Vague descriptions of the obstacles they may face consist of officers concern of change, community co...
Jacob Stauffeneker SECTION B: COMMUNICATION CRJS 4480-90 Police and Community Relations. How do you define communication without using a dictionary? Sharing or exchanging information with someone to get information across. What is your strongest form of communication?
Community policing is a form of maintaining law and order in a neighbourhood through cooperation between the community members and the police (Putt, 2010). Since its establishment, community development has had various advantages on communities. Firstly, community policing develops a close-knit relationship between the police and the communities which develops the trust of the community members towards the police (Bartkowiak-Théron, & Crehan, 2010). Secondly, community policing aids in reducing fear among community members who are guaranteed of security from their cooperation with the police. The police operate within the community which raises the security standards of the community. Thirdly, community policing leads to the involvement of the community members in the
Considering the role of law enforcement, the question arises: Is Community Policing the strategy the police should be using today? Community Policing is a philosophy that encourages interactive partnerships between officers and the community (lapdonline, 2024). This strategy is used to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and decrease fear. It also helps strengthen the relationship between officers and the community. Community Policing has been shown to be effective at reducing crime.
Liederbach, J., Fritsch, E. J., Carter, D. L., & Bannister, A (2007). Exploring the Limits of Collaboration in Community Policing: A Direct Comparison of Police and Citizen Views. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management, 31 (2), 271-291.
Community-oriented policing fosters collaboration between police and local communities. This approach involves engaging with community members to understand their specific needs and concerns, which helps develop customized strategies that effectively address them. By building trust and fostering positive relationships, community-oriented policing programs can help reduce crime and improve public safety in a sustainable and long-lasting way. Community-oriented policing aims to address issues such as excessive use of force, lack of accountability, and racial profiling. These issues have been a major concern for many communities nationwide, leading to a breakdown in trust between law enforcement and the people they are supposed to protect.
Perceptions of police legitimacy are shaped by whether police are seen as exercising their authority fairly and lawfully (Tyler, 2010). Traditionally, police think about crime fighting strategies in terms of whether or not the strategies are legal and if they successfully reduce crime (Kennedy, 2011). Therefore, damaged legitimacy could make policing more difficult for law enforcement. Treating a community as if it is the problem is not only an inefficient use of police resources, it also loses the goodwill of the community. Police should
A community-oriented approach to policing represents a distinct method of law enforcement that prioritizes collaboration and problem-solving alongside community members (Cordner, 2023). This approach necessitates a different administrative strategy within police departments. It encompasses four major dimensions. The philosophical dimension pertains to the overarching mindset of law enforcement, advocating for a shift towards greater collaboration with the community. The strategic dimension involves planning and goal-setting for how police will engage with the community to achieve shared public safety objectives (Cordner, 2023).
Community policing is defined as police officers developing community partnerships, engaging in problem solving, and implementing community policing organizational features. Community policing emphasizes proactive problem solving in a systematic and routine fashion. Rather than responding to crime only after it occurs, such as after a 911 dispatch call, community policing encourages agencies to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safety problems. Problem solving must be infused into all police operations and guide decision-making efforts. Agencies are encouraged to think innovatively about their responses and view making arrests as only one of a wide array of potential responses. A major conceptual vehicle for helping officers to think
Community policing is a viewpoint and a managerial approach that endorses new affiliation among police and people. It stands on the principle that both the community and the police has to work jointly to prioritize, identify, and resolve current problems such as felony, fear of crime, drugs, overall neighborhood decay and social/physical disorder. Their goal should be to recover the general value of living in the neighborhood. Community policing involves a division wide pledge from everybody, sworn members and civilian, to the community policing viewpoint. Also it tests all employees to discover ways to state this new viewpoint in their occupations.