NCJ Number
83394
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1982) Pages: 33-44
Date Published
1981
Length
12 pages
Annotation
An innovative cross-cultural approach to law enforcement development and training conducted on the island state of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, is described.
Abstract
Kosrae is the easternmost of the Pacific Caroline Islands, having some 42 square miles and a population of about 4,800. Recent breakdowns in traditional cultural systems of social control and conflict resolution have increased the public's perception of an increase in crime and delinquency. A needs assessment was conducted under the assumption that a culturally homogeneous society can develop a criminal justice system responsive to local needs rather than foreign legal, operational, and behavioral models. The needs assessment consisted of (1) an examination of the structure, staffing, equipment, and procedures of justice system components; (2) a series of public meetings in each of the island's villages to determine community perceptions of system components; and (3) a series of planning meetings with system representatives, traditional leaders, and government officials. The goals set by the planning panel were to (1) develop the Department of Public Safety into a fully functional and culturally appropriate law enforcement organization, (2) educate citizens about the present legal system to facilitate informed judgments about its applicability and appropriateness for Kosrae, (3) increase the understanding of adults and youth about one another's needs to narrow the generation gap, and (4) make the Department of Public Safety more responsive to community needs. The three-pronged approach for achieving these goals encompassed police training, police equipment, and police community education. By the end of the 2-month training/development program, a functional Department of Public Safety run by Kosraean officers was in place. Two notes and four references are provided.