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INTEGRATING THE FOCUS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT'S FUTURE

NCJ Number
147717
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 61 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 52,55-61
Author(s)
B Harrison
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Future trends in California's law enforcement operations are discussed that concern public safety needs, municipal police services, organizational structure and financing, and new models of police service delivery.
Abstract
By the year 2002, organizational objectives of law enforcement agencies and the demand for police services will change. A recent survey of municipal police chiefs in California, for example, indicated a strong commitment to community policing. Many had implemented such programs or similar efforts to bring police agencies closer to the communities they serve. Developing a mission statement is the crucial first step in any planning process to meet future law enforcement needs. Law enforcement agencies must be mission-driven rather than rule-driven organizations, and they must have a clear organizational vision. In providing efficient service, however, these agencies face financial challenges. Procedures involved in transitioning to a mission-driven police service are described, and a case study involving the Coronado, California, Police Department is included. 40 footnotes