COMMUNITY POLICING
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
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
According to the 911 Profile Database Report, in 2021, a total of 213,652,929 emergency 911 calls were reported across 45 states that provided data.
According to the University of Southern of California, 40% of police said Americans don't understand the risks & challenges of police work.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for every 100,000 people Utah has approximately 293 police officers. New York has approximately 655.
According to the Zippia Research Team, 49% of police officers hold a Bachelor's degree. 26% hold an Associate's degree.
According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, police officers undergo 40 hours of training over 5 days in Crisis Intervention Training, where they learn to recognize and respond effectively to mental illness.
Values
Trust
Service
Respect
Duty
Courage
Notable Names
Bill de Blasio
Val Demings
Rodney King
Keechant Sewell
William Bratton
Symbols
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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.)
Celebrate & Create Event Video
Our crafting event for kids was lots of fun! Use your own materials to participate in our craft project. This event was co-facilitated by Heidi Kevoe-Feldman, an Associate Professor at Northeastern University and she studies and conducts training related to 911 Dispatch calls. Watch the video to learn how to make your own Minifigure Cape! You can also make an event out of it by hosting your own Celebrate & Create: Community Policing crafting party. 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.
Get involved with Police Athletic Leagues to foster relationships.
Commit to one peace officer-friendly action each week! Start with a smile!
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.
Share our Community Policing Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!