Problem Solving Flashcards
Define “a problem”
• “a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome”
(A group of incidents occurring in a community that are similar or connected in one or more ways and that are of concern to the public and require a police response).
“Signal Crime” is a concept in REASSURANCE POLICING, centred on the theory that certain crimes or incidents of ASB may act as a “signal” to a community that they are at risk.
How many signal crimes can you list..?
- Public Drinking (streets/parks)
- Graffiti
- Vandalism
- Damage (smash up phone box)
- Speeding
- Rubbish dumped outside houses
- Burnt out cars
- Evidence of drug taking/dealing
- Prostitution
Police use various Problem Solving Models…. Name some.
- Partnership Orientated Policing (POPS)
- OSARA
- Problem Analysis Triangle (PAT)
- Routine Activity Theory (RAT)
What does POPS refer to?
Partnership Orientated Policing
POPS is about dealing with the C_____ that create the P_______
POPS is about dealing with the CONDITIONS that create the PROBLEMS
Who might “we” work with when employing a POPS problem solving strategy? (How many can you name?)
Housing Association /// Womens Aid ///
Local Council (specifically their; housing, CCTV, wardens, Licensing Dept.,)
Social Services /// Neighbourhood Watch
There are many external agencies, with different specialists and powers that can help police deal with issues.
POPS is often referred to as a; M\_\_\_\_\_\_ A\_\_\_\_\_\_ A\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ To solving a problem.
Multi Agency Approach
Effective problem solving does have barriers - can you name 3?
- Failure to recognise the problem.
- Conceiving the problem too narrowly.
- Making a hasty choice.
- Failure to consider consequences.
- Failure to consider the feasibility of the solution.
OSARA problem solving method is widely used in policing - what does OSARA stand for?
O: Objective S: Scanning A: Analysis R: Response A: Assessment
When considering OSARA & specifically “OBJECTIVE” what process is it important to apply??
(Must include this in a written exam response)
Our objective MUST BE: SMART
Specific (5WH) Measurable (from & to) Attainable (how?) Relevant (ie: worthwhile) Timely (by when, a month? 3 mths?)
The S in OSARA refers to “Scanning” - what are ‘we’ scanning??
Information from police systems (such as Niche/PNC/Storm)
Any information that may be held by social services, housing associations, council.
Effective communication with external agencies is important so that we can ‘pool’ all the information and intelligence.
OSARA:
A = Analysis
What should we analyse and why?
Analyse all of the ‘pooled’ / gathered information. Look at the “big picture”.
Can we now identify themes or patterns?
Common locations, involvements, days/times etc.
OSARA:
R - refers to Response
Expand on what is meant by ‘response’ within the OSARA model.
With the pooled information and intelligence ‘we’ can now develop and implement solutions.
We should look at other forces experiences when considering how to structure our ‘response’ - as this may save; time, financial commitment and ensure we use our (limited) resources efficiently and effectively.
OSARA:
A = Assessment
Why is assessment a key element of the OSARA method?
Assessment will determine the impact of our “Response”
Have our actions been affective?
Review. Be self critical.
What areas were considered effective/successful (can we do more of this?).
What areas weren’t successful? (that’s ok!) Why weren’t they successful?
We can now restart the OSARA process from this point.
The Problem Analysis Triangle (PAT)
Is a theory that focuses on what 3 elements?
🔼 Offender
🔼 Place
🔼 Target / Victim
