NCJ Number
226800
Date Published
May 2009
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This issue reports on recent events and activities relevant to the work of the Federal Office of Community Policing Services (COPS), including an interview with Sheriff Leroy Baca of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and articles on the COPS Hiring Recovery Program and the work of the Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity in cooperation with the Baltimore Police Department.
Abstract
During his 10 years as sheriff in Los Angeles County, Leroy Baca has given priority to involving the community in public safety. In his interview, he notes that engagement with the community has led to more innovative and effective solutions to neighborhood problems. Community policing issues discussed in his interview include the establishment of regional stations (there are 24 in Los Angeles County), the training of deputy sheriffs to be community organizers, the use of volunteer identification cards and uniforms for use when residents are participating in public safety activities, and the establishment of leadership training through the Deputy Leadership Institute. The article on the COPS Hiring Recovery Program pertains to the allocation of $1 billion for the COPS Office to dispense for the hiring of approximately 5,500 additional law enforcement positions to be added or saved under the funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Another article describes the benefits that have emerged from the partnering of the Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity with the Baltimore Police Department in an effort to improve public safety through increased community stabilization, expanded education for homeowners, improved officer/community relations, increased public safety awareness, and enhanced teamwork among district commanders and their officers. New publications from COPS are summarized.