NCJ Number
170227
Date Published
1996
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Successful community policing programs should make effective use of community resources and should make the police department accessible to citizens.
Abstract
Proponents of community policing believe the approach combines efficiency and effectiveness, promotes quality over quantity, and encourages creative problem resolution. Community policing does not replace traditional law enforcement methods; rather, it offers a proactive mechanism for police agencies to satisfy customer needs. The Sacramento, California, Police Department (SPD) is moving away from traditional policing. Like many police departments, the SPD has developed a strategic plan for transitioning into community policing. A strategic plan for the SPD's Communications Division is presented that defines the role of police communications services in the implementation of community policing in the next century. The plan is based on trend analysis and the assessment of future critical events that may affect police communications personnel and services. The strategic planning process and tasks associated with implementing the strategic plan are described. The author concludes that the participation of police communications personnel in the transition to community policing will contribute to the accomplishment of police department strategic goals and ensure more comprehensive and effective service delivery. 7 endnotes