Making Police Reforms Endure the Keys for Success

• NCJ Number: 231682
• Author(s): Trent Ikerd; Samuel Walker
• Date Published: April 2010
• Length: 52 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on findings from the authors' 2007 study of problem-oriented policing in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina) Police Department, this guide proposes a framework that other police departments can use and test in their efforts to institutionalize police reforms.

Abstract

A major theme in the framework is the importance of understanding a department's culture when attempting to institutionalize police reforms. Such an assessment consists of an examination of officer attitudes, knowledge, and behavior regarding the reform. If deficiencies exist in any of these areas, and if officer and organizational commitment to the reform is not strong, the likelihood of the reform becoming institutionalized is low. This guide outlines policy and procedural changes and recommendations that will help departments build such a commitment among departmental personnel. Eleven recommendations are presented as strategies for implementing and institutionalizing police reform. In addition to assessing the organizational culture and its readiness for making the changes involved in the reform, the department must plan effectively for the transition to a new way of conducting business. In addition, recruiting procedures must focus on selecting individuals whose skills are conducive to problem-oriented policing and community policing. Other recommendations address the development of a training curriculum that focuses on the elements of the reform; the inclusion of reform elements in the promotion process, performance evaluations, and rewards systems; assurance that departmental personnel understand the organization's goals in the change process; and the involvement of the entire department in the change process. Remaining recommendations pertain to the implementation of strategies for obtaining community involvement in the reform; incorporating technological advances into reform efforts; creation of a research/crime analysis unit to facilitate problem-solving initiatives; and making the culture of mid-level management a focus in reform institutionalization. 79 notes