COMMUNITY POLICING
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Community Policing
Community policing is a more inclusive approach to regular police activities. It centers on forming strong trust between the officers and the people who live in the neighborhoods they patrol. This is usually done through outreach programs inside the communities with the hope that greater trust will lead to more communication and cooperation with police. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Community Policing. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
First Responders:
Those trained to be first on a crisis scene (e.g. police social workers). 911 dispatchers, police officers, Emergency Medical Technician, firefighters, etc.
'The Talk':
A conversation had historically in Black families in which children are educated about and taught about safe interactions with the police, despite fear of racial bias.
Community Policing:
Collaboration with community and law enforcement towards the goal of identifying, preventing, and/or solving issues the community faces. Incorporates: community-based crime prevention, emphasis on non-emergency servicing, increased accountability to local communities, & decentralized command.
'Blue Wall of Silence':
The stereotype that there exists a code of silence among police officers to not report other officers' misconduct, corruption, or errors.
Public Servants in Community Policing:
Those local, state, and federal employees designated to aid in an emergency as well as to 'keep the peace' including gov't officials (mayor, governor, senator), health care workers, social workers, educators, first responders, & more.
Moments In History
1789 - The first Federal Law Enforcement Officer is established by the United States Congress. President Washington appoints 13 U.S. Marshals.
1929 - Federal Agent Eliot Ness begins his legendary law enforcement career and is picked to lead a group of agents nicknamed “The Untouchables," later a movie. Other entertainment media about the police include Barney Miller Kojak, Baretta, & Dragnet.
2020 - George Floyd's death sparks the Defund the Police Movement. Generally, it describes the goal of budget reallocation to relevant alternative resources such as mental health workers and social workers.
1838 - For the first time, an organized, publicly-funded, professional full-time police service is established in Boston serving as "slave patrols."
1970 - The Knapp Commission is formed to investigate police corruption in New York City prompted by Serpico revelations. Later in 1992 the Mollen Commission served a similar purpose.
Statistics
40 hours of training over a 5 day period - police officers taking Crisis Intervention Training learn how to identify and react to mental illness.
213,652,929 911 calls in the 45 states who reported 911 data in 2021.
49% of police officers hold a Bachelor's degree.
26% hold an Associate's degree.
For every 100,000 people Utah has approximately 293 police officers. New York has approximately 655.
40% of police said Americans don't understand the risks & challenges of police work.
Values
Trust
Service
Respect
Duty
Courage
Notable Names
Bill de Blasio
Val Demings
Rodney King
Keechant Sewell
William Bratton
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Community Policing Infographic
Share what you have about Community Policing. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Popcorn & Chat Event Video
Our film event was insightful and fun! After watching It's Kind Of A Funny Story together, we discussed the film and what we learned about suicide prevention. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Volunteer with community policing by helping on a child fingerprinting day, neighborhood watch, etc.
Have a conversation with a police officer, say hi, thank them, and/or invite a police officer to career day, or for other presentations at your school or business.
Commit to one peace officer-friendly action each week! Start with a smile!
Get involved with Police Athletic Leagues to foster relationships.
Share our Community Policing Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!