Introduction to Community Oriented Policing Presented by: The Florida Regional Community Policing Institute at St. Petersburg College With Funding from: Department of Justice, COPS Office

Getting Started Introduction and Pretest Introduction of Instructor RCPI Paperwork Review of Course Goals View “Building Bridges” video

Course Goals Participants will: Understand the history & development of community policing Understand the nature of police – community partnerships Understand the basic elements of a genuine community policing philosophy Demonstrate an understanding of the problem solving process and documenting results

Unit Two: Introduction to Community Oriented Policing Historically law enforcement was tasked to non military local groups within a village Public Shaming without trial common tool to maintain order “Professional Policing” first conceived by Sir Robert Peel

Development of Modern Policing by Sir Robert Peel. 1829, Peel presented “An Act for Improving the Police in and near the Metropolis” to Parliament = First Metro Police Force in London NINE (9) timeless Peel’s principles in course book: #1 – Prevent Crime and Disorder #2 - Public approval of police existence

Peel’s Principles Continued #3 – Secure willing cooperation (of the public) #4 – Cooperation diminishes with the necessity for the use of force #5 – Constant demonstration of absolute impartiality in police service #6 – Use only the minimum of force necessary

Peel’s Principles Continued #7 – Police are the public and the public are the police #8 – Never appear to usurp the powers of the judiciary #9 – Police efficiency = absence of crime and disorder

History of Modern Policing in the U.S. First professional police force developed out of the “Ward Concept” in NYC – 1844 Police find themselves tied to politics and political leaders to the point of being hired and supervised by politicians

20th Century Policing in U.S. 1920 – August Vollmer develops mobile police force, M.O. files, and wants cops to seek higher education 1930’s O.W. Wilson enhances height and weight requirements for police plus promotes quick response, preventative patrol and follow up investigations and higher education

Problems with the “Professional Model” of Policing Events of the 1960’s were turbulent times for law enforcement 1968 President’s Commission on Crime results in significant $$$$ being placed in law enforcement programs of all types and description in the 1970’s

Unit Three: Defining Community Policing: Learning Objectives of this Unit: Understand Community Policing is a philosophy – not a program or strategy Accurately define and identify Community Policing Explore how Community Policing Principles are applied

Three General Policing Strategies Traditional – typical 911 reactive response to criminal activity Problem Oriented Policing – proactive process using police analysis with little or no input from community Community Oriented Policing – coactive approach incorporating working relationship between community and police

Understanding the Community Policing Philosophy Based upon partnerships between police and the communities they serve Empower communities to help make things better Allows communities to become self reliant Enhances the overall quality of life

Principles of Community Oriented Policing Community Policing values the traditional tools of arrest and prosecution Community Policing shifts cop focus from responding to individual incidents to addressing root problems using problem solving techniques Officers must be empowered by being supported and given time, trust and commitment by administration

Differences between Traditional and Community Policing See comprehensive chart in Course Manual on PAGE 13

Unit Four: Police / Community Partnership and Problem Solving Learning Objectives of this Unit: Acquaint Participants with nature and importance of police community partnerships Identify essential elements of developing partnerships Introduce the SARA Problem Solving model Provide helpful ideas for conducting community meetings

Understanding Police / Community Partnerships Spontaneous Mobilization – is a short lived reaction to an incident(s) which quickly dissipates Planned Mobilization – long ranged process involving education, motivation and organization which yields long ranged solutions

Community Policing KEY Components are: PARTNERSHIPPING PROBLEM SOLVING

The Problem Solving Process Community Perceptions are their reality and perceptions must be engaged and dealt with Dealing only with problem symptoms and not with problem root never yields desired result Too much symptom dealing wastes $$ and community loses confidence in agency and agency personnel

Key Elements and Techniques of Problem Solving Problem = a basic unit of police work consisting of a group or pattern of crimes, calls, cases or incidents A problem concerns community & police; not just police Problems must be accurately defined before a workable solution can be achieved

Key Elements and Techniques of Problem Solving Continued Department’s level of response must be acknowledged (No one has unlimited $$$$$) Problem must be understood by those persons affected Responses must be proactive Responses must be evaluated Circle of Concern – Circle of Influence

Unit Five: SARA Problem Solving Model Learning Objectives of this Unit: Understand the four components of the SARA problem solving process Acknowledge the essential importance of community participation and input Allow participants to practically use the SARA problem solving model

Benefits of SARA Process Provides a formal procedure to be used uniformly be adapting agency Increases likelihood of effective solution being achieved Relies on the direct input, expertise and creativity of line level officer Requires involvement of the community

Steps of the SARA Problem Solving Method “S”can – Identify the Problem “A”nalyze - Understand the Problem “R”espond – Developing a problem solution “A”ssess – Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and what remains to be done

SARA – Practice Problem (Scenario) Here’s a simple scenario which illustrates the application of the SARA problem solving method

Other Effective Problem Solving Principles Old patterns hinder new solutions Trial and Error may work as well as logic Use observers to identify processes and how and through whom problems are solved Anticipate problems Remove as much emotion as you can

Analysis and Assessment of Problem Information Beyond the problem incidents themselves, one must understand the social and physical context of the problem events The most ignored or under developed step in the SARA process is the accurate assessment of the process to determine whether goals were accomplished

Unit Six: Identifying Resources Learning Objectives of this Unit: To acquaint participants with the process of identifying resources How to identify potential resources Speak to the many resources currently being used by community policing officers

Resource Development Development of community resources can mean around the clock attention is being paid to community problems All neighborhood problems are important “Minor” concerns can develop into enormous problems over time Engage the community

Identifying Police Information and Activity Sources Consider both formal and informal information gathering processes Some community leaders will never come to a meeting – identify and go to them Do not overlook the unique types of information available from specific sections of your own agency Consider utilizing the media and community surveys

Consider these other courses offered by the Florida RCPI Police - Community Partnerships Problem Solving for CPO & Citizen Survival Skills for CPO Building Bridges: CPO’s & Citizens Changing Roles: Supervising CPOs Effective Media Skills for LEO Reaching Goals through Codes Enf. Crime Prevention - CPTED