Identify a challenge, problem, issue that impacts the relationship between the police and the community and explore policy, practice and programming that can help to resolve the problem and improve the relationship between the police and community, fostering cohesion & cooperation through effective communication. Utilizing the Strategic Plan assignment as a jumping off point, students will now dig even deeper into the problem and strategies of reform to improve the strain between the police and the community. Some of the material and content from the strategic plan can be used in the final paper.
Sample Answer
The most persistent challenge impacting the relationship between the police and the community is the erosion of public trust, particularly in marginalized neighborhoods. This strain is often fueled by a history of "warrior-style" policing, a lack of transparency in misconduct cases, and communication barriers that cast the police as an occupying force rather than a service provider.
The Core Issue: The "Us vs. Them" Mentality
This issue is rooted in a lack of legitimacy. When community members perceive police actions as biased or arbitrary, they are less likely to cooperate with investigations or comply with the law. This creates a feedback loop: lower cooperation leads to higher crime, which leads to more aggressive policing, further damaging the relationship.
2. Policy Reform: Institutionalizing Transparency
To rebuild trust, "cohesion" must be codified in departmental policy rather than left to individual discretion.