Responding to Racially Biased Policing Through Collaborative Problem Solving (From Solving Crime and Disorder Problems: Current Issues, Police Strategies, and Organizational Tactics, P 59-78, 2001, Melissa Reuland, Corina Sole' Brito, and Lisa Carroll, eds. -- See NCJ-225227)

• NCJ Number: 225231
• Author(s): Lorie A. Fridell
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Following a discussion on the nature of racially biased policing, this article proposes a process for applying the problem-solving model to racially biased policing.

Abstract

Though the term “racial profiling” is modern, the problem it labels has been part of policing for many years. Racially biased policing presents both a challenge and an opportunity for police to exercise quiet determination and moral leadership. This problem calls for a collaborative effort on the part of police and community. In partnership, police and residents can address the problem of racially biased policing and practice a method of collaboration that will serve both parties effectively. Collaborating community members and police should follow the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment) problem-solving model which involves clear identification of a problem, investigation of the problem using various sources of information, development of tailored responses, and evaluation of those responses’ effectiveness. This chapter focuses on the strengths inherent in working with the community to develop solutions to racially biased policing. It outlines successful approaches using collaboration and the SARA model. Figures and references