NCJ Number
164679
Date Published
1996
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video reviews the philosophy of policing that has characterized the Kettering Police Department (Ohio) over its 40- year history (1955-95) and profiles the department's values, operations, and programs for 1995.
Abstract
An introduction by the police chief notes the long history of excellence that has characterized the Kettering Police Department, based primarily in its emphasis on attracting and keeping high-quality personnel. An overview of the town of Kettering includes a brief review of the character and achievements of inventor Charles Kettering, after whom the town is named. His commitment to excellence and vision in his work has inspired the town and the police department to emulate his character. Through interviews with retired police officers and with senior-citizen town residents, the video portrays a police department that has always committed itself to the public-safety mission, from its beginning as a 14-member department in 1955 to its dual accreditation in 1987. Some contemporary innovations of the department described in the video include a mobile, digital speed display device that confronts motorists with their speed as they pass it, combined with a display of the maximum speed for the specific location. Other programs portrayed are bicycle patrols in parks and high-incidence areas, a police scholarship program for youth, and a citizen-police academy in which police and citizens interact in a learning environment. Also included in the video are a presentation of the department's values, photos of retirees and new employees, and a recitation of awards and promotions. A booklet that accompanies the video provides 1995 statistics on Part I and Part II offenses, arrests, traffic enforcement, 911 calls, jail population, alarm responses, and a community survey.