Five Things Law Enforcement Executives Can Do To Make a Difference

• NCJ Number: 241604
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 1 page
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This brief instructional bulletin from the National Institute of Justice suggests five practices that law enforcement managers can use to increase their agency's effectiveness.

Abstract

First, crime can be reduced by focusing patrols on small geographic locations and times when crimes occur, targeting specific, high-impact repeat offenders. Second, in most cases, thorough investigations, problem solving, and careful collection of forensic evidence contribute more to arresting suspects than reducing response times by a few seconds. Third, collecting and using DNA evidence substantially increases the likelihood of solving property crimes, leading to twice as many arrests and twice as many cases being accepted for prosecution than in non-DNA "traditional" investigations. Fourth, when people who interact with or observe officers being fair, lawful, and respectful, this contributes to the safety of both the police officers and increases the likelihood that citizens will obey the law and comply with police orders. Fifth, safety training, shift lengths, and using body armor can prevent officer injuries and save lives.