Strengthening the Bonds of Trust between Law Enforcement and the Public

Question 1

Organizational Culture and Values

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 1

Organizational cultures are SOCIAL NETWORKS that exist in ALL work environments, including LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Each agency has a UNIQUE culture, where OFFICERS and LEADERSHIP develop a set of ATTITUDES and BELIEFS about the JOB and COMMUNITY they serve.

Those attitudes can be NEGATIVE or POSITIVE and are PRIMARILY influenced by INFORMAL LEADERSHIP and TRAINING.

Question 2

Involvement with the community

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 2

An agency’s OPERATIONAL SUCCESS is affected by the personnel’s FAMILIARITY and INTERACTIONS with the COMMUNITY the agency SERVES.

Quite often, where community interaction is MOST FRAGILE, the PUBLIC is UNDERREPRESENTED in MEETINGS and FORUMS.

Question 3

Understanding diverse populations

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 3

There is a NEED for CONTINUING TRAINING for OFFICERS on how to RESPOND with PROFESSIONALISM and EMPATHY to people who are DIFFERENT from THEM.

An agency’s POLICIES, PRACTICES, and STAFF should REFLECT that the agency VALUES, APPRECIATES and IMPARTIALLY responds to DIVERSE populations.

Question 4

Workforce diversity

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 4

RECRUITING and HIRING (DIVERSE) candidates can be CHALLENGING, so not ALL police agencies have a STAFF that MIRRORS the COMPOSITION of the COMMUNITIES they SERVE.

LACK of REPRESENTATION within the AGENCY may lead to DISTRUST by citizens WHO feel UNDERREPRESENTED.

Question 5

Gaps in post-basic training

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 5

The BASIC RECRUIT PROGRAM gives recruits FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE for the JOB, but ESTABLISHED officers may have GAPS in their KNOWLEDGE concerning NEW TECHNIQUES and CHANGES in POLICIES and PROCEDURES.

Once ON the job, OFFICERS are REQUIRED to maintain CONTINUING education to RETAIN certification, BUT there is a STRONG NEED for BETTER and MORE timely POST-BASIC COURSES in ALTERNATIVE formats (DISTANCE LEARNING, SELF-PACED INSTRUCTION, and INTERNET-BASED COURSES, which WILL meet the TRAINING NEED as well as the NON-TRADITIONAL JOB SCHEDULE of a law enforcement officer.

Question 6

Skill building and maintenance

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 6

Skills DETERIORATE over time IF they are NOT practiced REGULARLY.

If an officer DOES NOT have REGULAR training in a particular SKILL, such as DEFENSIVE TACTICS, FIREARMS and INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, they may NOT be able to PERFORM the necessary tasks UNDER PRESSURE.

Question 7

Lack of knowledge of cross-cultural norms

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 7

Each GROUP and COMMUNITY has its OWN culture; law enforcement officers from OUTSIDE that group or community may NOT always have an UNDERSTANDING of the SUBTLE FORMS of COMMUNICATION within the GROUP.

The same PRINCIPLE applies to MEMBERS of the public NOT always understanding the PROCEDURES of LAW ENFORCEMENT.

This can LEAD to MISUNDERSTANDINGS and MISINTERPRETATIONS of WORDS and ACTIONS by BOTH the PUBLIC and LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Question 8

Interpersonal communications and use of force

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 8

GOOD COMMUNICATION, CRITICAL THINKING, and SOUND JUDGEMENT are CRUCIAL for determining WHEN officers SHOULD use force and when they SHOULD try OTHER METHODS to RESOLVE CONFLICT.

This is particularly IMPORTANT when RESPONDING to SITUATIONS that have the POTENTIAL to become VOLATILE.

Question 9

Conflict and challenges to authority

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 9

Taking things PERSONALLY and REACTING to perceived INSULTS or CHALLENGES to AUTHORITY are INNATELY HUMAN TENDENCIES.

However, those responses INHIBIT effective policing.

Question 10

Public understanding of the criminal justice system

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 10

The public does NOT always understand the STRUCTURE of the CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM or the POWERS and LIMITATIONS of VARIOUS AGENCIES, which leads to UNREALISTIC expectations.

Question 11

Dynamics of power

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 11

In ANY relationship, there is RARELY an EQUAL balance of POWER at ALL times.

This can cause REACTIONS of INFLEXIBILITY, AGGRESSION, FEAR, and ANGER.

Having OR lacking POWER can NEGATIVELY affect COMMUNICATION between LAW ENFORCEMENT and the COMMUNITY and MAKE conflict MORE likely.

Question 12

Assumptions and bias

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 12

In ANY relationship, each PARTY has PRECONCEIVED BELIEFS about the OTHER and DESIRES to see CERTAIN BEHAVIORS based UPON those BELIEFS.

Whether REASONABLE or NOT, when someone EXPERIENCES or OBSERVES the UNDESIRABLES behavior of a MEMBER of a GROUP, they may FORM a NEGATIVE opinion of the ENTIRE group.

STUDIES find that BIAS, both IMPLICIT and EXPLICIT exists in ALL people.

This does NOT necessarily LEAD citizens AND officers to TREAT others UNFAIRLY, but it makes that MORE likely.

Question 13

Historical relationship between law enforcement and minority communities

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 13

MANY groups have PROBLEMATIC relationships WITH law enforcement.

These GROUPS include RACIAL MINORITIES, IMMIGRANTS, RELIGIOUS MINORITIES, and THE LGBTQ community, WHO may MISTRUST law enforcement for REASONS that have EVOLVED from PAST ENCOUNTERS and EXPERIENCES.

Question 14

Law enforcement response to complex social or medical disorders

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 14

Because there is often NO other ALTERNATIVE, law enforcement officers are REGULARLY called on to handle ISSUES that would be BETTER managed by SOCIAL WORKERS and MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS such as responding to a PERSON with MENTAL ILLNESS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS, or MEDICAL CONDITIONS that MIMIC these ISSUES.

The PUBLIC has come to EXPECT officers to be FULLY equipped to be COUNSELORS, REFEREES, MEDICS, and SURROGATE CAREGIVERS.

Question 15

News Media

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 15

TRADITIONALLY, community journalists worked in PARTNERSHIP with local law enforcement agencies to get NEWS and INFORMATION out to the PUBLIC.

With the SWITCH to a 24-HOUR news cycle, and the public’s increasing RELIANCE on SOCIAL MEDIA and NON-JOURNALISTS as a NEWS and INFORMATION sharing SOURCE, there is a GREATER tendency for NEWS OUTLETS to PUBLISH stories as they are DEVELOPING.

When NEWS organizations TRY to get the STORY out to the public AHEAD of their COMPETITORS and BEFORE all the FACTS of an incident are KNOWN, any ENCOUNTER between LAW ENFORCEMENT and the PUBLIC may put an OFFICER or AGENCY in the SPOTLIGHT.

Question 16

Social Media

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 16

Social media users FORWARD stories, upload videos of their ENCOUNTERS with law enforcement, and ORGANIZE protests or ADVOCATE for action.

Because the PUBLIC is UNDER NO obligation to VET information or INCLUDE all of the facts of an incident, the information the public distributes can be UNRELIABLE or UNVERIFIED.

Law enforcement agencies have a DIFFICULT time COUNTERING such POSTS because of the NEED for CONFIDENTIALITY of information during ONGOING investigations.

In addition, when an agency POSTS information highlighting POSITIVE stories or INTERACTIONS, the public MAY view these with SKEPTICISM.

One FINAL ELEMENT is law enforcement officers’ OFF-DUTY use of SOCIAL MEDIA and the SCRUTINY their posts may RECEIVE.

Question 17

Public perception of crime statistics

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 17

Reported CRIME STATISTICS are used in MANY ways, such as AGENCY administrators’ use of CRIME STATS to seek BUDGET INCREASES.

When CRIME STATISTICS are provided WITHOUT context, it can be HARD for the AUDIENCE to UNDERSTAND a situation, such as the IMPACT of UNDER-EMPLOYMENT on CRIMES OF OPPORTUNITY.

How CRIME STATISTICS are used can LEAD to MISCONCEPTIONS about a GROUP, COMMUNITY, or LAW ENFORCEMENT.

These MISCONCEPTIONS can CAUSE barriers in COMMUNICATION, MISTRUST, and CONFLICT.

Question 18

Allocation of resources

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 18

In MANY towns, there are NOT enough law enforcement officers to EFFECTIVELY combat crime and ACTIVELY ENGAGE citizens in the COMMUNITY.

Some agencies have SUFFERED budget cuts, which CAUSE difficulties RECRUITING and RETAINING QUALITY officers.

INTERACTIONS between law enforcement and the public MAY be LIMITED only to RESPONDING to crime DUE to fewer officers.

This means LESS opportunity for interaction BEYOND the RESPONSE to CALLS FOR SERVICE.

Question 19

Fear

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 19

The PUBLIC and OFFICERS may be HYPERSENSITIVE to THREATS, both PERCEIVED and REAL.

In some cases that FEAR may be BASED on HISTORICAL or SITUATIONAL information RATHER than DIRECT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Question 20

Legitimacy

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 20

The public’s TRUST in the police DEPENDS on WHETHER law enforcement’s authority is PERCEIVED as APPROPRIATE, PROPER, and JUST.

If police authority is NOT seen as LEGITIMATE, the public will NOT cooperate with the police.

SOCIAL DISTANCE between POLICE and the PUBLIC, as well as DEFIANCE of POLICE authority WILL increase.

As a result, HOSTILITIES between the POLICE and the PUBLIC will INCREASE while trust DECREASES.

Question 21

Trust

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 21

The RELATIONSHIP between communities and THEIR law enforcement agencies are OFTEN characterized by VARYING degrees of SUSPICION and MISTRUST.

OVER TIME, that CONTRIBUTES to CYNICISM in BOTH groups and CREATES barriers to GOOD faith COOPERATION.

NATIONALLY, there are AMPLE cases of REPAIRED relationships, so COMMUNITIES are CAPABLE of BUILDING MUTUAL TRUST and PRODUCING POSITIVE CHANGE.

These SUCCESS stories SHARE several FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS and PRACTICES that can be ADAPTED and APPLIED to MEET any community’s UNIQUE needs.

Question 22

Fair, Unbiased Policing

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 22

A review of current research finds that everyone has biases, including well-intentioned people.

The purpose of providing training on fair, unbiased policing (also known as fair and impartial policing) is to help individuals to be aware of their own biases and learn how to manage them effectively.

Biases are preconceived tendencies or beliefs that can cause barriers in communication, or if you are self-aware, assist in communication with others.

As law enforcement and the public act to build trust, being self-aware will aid in their communication, whether it is a town hall meeting, traffic stop, or some other interaction.

Question 23

Procedural Justice

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 23

Procedural justice is not a new concept in policing.

It is a practical concept that promotes healthy and reciprocal relations with the community to enhance safety for both officers and the community.

It’s aim is to ensure fair police-citizen interactions and the development of strong partnerships with the community members.

In order to be effective, it must be applied both internally and externally within a law enforcement organization by taking into account how officers are treated as the agency level and how people are treated in the community.

When we look at police encounters that have gained nationwide attention during the last several years, in many instances, the officer’s actions during the encounter had just as much of an effect on public perception as the outcome of the encounter.

Procedural justice in policing focuses on fairness in the processes as well as the outcome.

Question 24

Procedural Justice

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 24

Procedural Justice is grounded in four foundational pillars which affect the officer and the public:

1. Fairness and consistency of rule application
2. Voice and representation in the process
3. Transparency and openness of the process
4. Impartiality and unbiased decision making

Question 25

Fairness and consistency of rule application

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 25

The perception of fairness is not just about outcomes; be consistent in your decision making and treat people with respect.

Question 26

Voice and representation in the process

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 26

Involve groups in the decisions that affect them and listen to their concerns.

Question 27

Transparency and openness of the process

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 27

Decisions are made without secrets and deception.

Question 28

Impartiality and unbiased decision making

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 28

Decisions are based on relevance and data.

Question 29

For police officers, procedural Justice amounts to four basic actions:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 29

1. Treat people with respect
2. Listen to what they have to say
3. Make fair decisions
4. Explain your actions

Question 30

De-escalation and Conflict Resolution

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 30

De-escalation is both VERBAL and NON-VERBAL.

In an ideal situation, the officer may evaluate the nature of the call by, for example…

1) Allowing people to give their side of the story
2) Explaining what the officer is doing, what the person can do, and what is going to happen
3) Telling The person why the officer is taking action
4) Acting with dignity and leaving the person with their dignity. Knowing that even in the most reasonable circumstance, people will not always comply, an officer maintains a set of strategies that consider officer and public safety, and what actions are in the best interest of the public.

Question 31

De-escalation and Conflict Resolution

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 31

The following are examples of types of strategies officers may use to resolve conflict.

In a matter of minutes, if not seconds, an officer may use one or more of them. Note that de-escalation is not always an option.

1. Calming
2. Collaboration
3. Compromising
4. Circumventing
5. Coercing

Question 32

Calming

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 32

The officer assumes an unassertive and cooperative approach to bring down the tempo of the conversation.

Question 33

Collaboration

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 33

This approach is both assertive and cooperative.

Collaboration is an attempt to work with the people involved to find some solution, which fully satisfies the concerns of both parties in the encounter.

It includes identifying the underlying concerns of both parties and finding an alternative which meets both sets of concerns.

Question 34

Compromising

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 34

The objective of this approach is to find some expedient, mutually acceptable solution which partially satisfies both the officer and the person.

Question 35

Circumventing

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 35

The officer decides that this isn’t “the right time” and taking action may be detrimental.

This approach is rarely an option, but there are times when it can be used.

Question 36

Coercing

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 36

This approach should only be used as a last resort or in encounters wherein arrest and/or danger are imminent.

The officer pursues his or her own safety concerns and society’s safety concerns at the other person’s (subject, perpetrator) expense.

This is a power-oriented mode in which one uses whatever power seems appropriate to win one’s position.

Question 37

FCJEI

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 37

Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute

Question 38

LEED

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 38

Listen and Explain with Equity and Dignity

Question 39

Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC)

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 39

The following are recommendations made to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for the expansion or enhancement of existing training, or the incorporation of new training concepts in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program, and the Advanced and Specialized Training Programs:

A) Incorporate training in procedural justice in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program.

B) Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding fair, unbiased policing, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups.

C) Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution, including responding to situations that have the potential to become volatile.

D) Elaborate on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program that address how to effectively communicate and maintain proper self-control, making participants aware of the consequences of taking things personally and reacting to perceived challenges to their authority; and the need to develop strategies to maintain self-control.

E) Include additional training scenarios in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program to increase skills in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and the use of force de-escalation.

Question 40

Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC)

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 40

Additional recommendations continued:

F) Expand current concepts in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program in diversity and justice-based policing (LEED- Listen and Explain with Equity and Dignity), including responding with professionalism and empathy to people who appear different from oneself.

G) Incorporate material on the imbalance of power and practical techniques to avoid or mitigate these effects when interacting with the public into the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program.

H) To address gaps in training and make training more accessible and timely to law enforcement officers, provide courses in new techniques, current events, and trends, in alternative formats such as virtual classrooms and self-paced instruction.

I) Provide additional opportunities for officers to participate in contemporary training on law enforcement response to social and medical issues such as diabetic emergencies, intellectual (i.e, mental illness, autism) and developmental disabilities.

J) Use situational scenarios in both the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program and post-basic training to build and maintain the effective use of interpersonal skills and use of force techniques that are less lethal.

Question 41

Law Enforcement Agencies

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 41

The following are strategies recommended for use by local law enforcement agencies.

They fall within FIVE categories: Internal Practices, Hiring and Recruitment, Training, Outreach, and Educating the Public.

Each agency’s use of these recommendations will depend on their own set of circumstances.

Question 42

Internal Practices

Answer 42

A) Create an environment where leadership re-commits to the mission statement, goals, and objectives of the organization, and models behavior expected of the entire agency.

B) Explore strategies to model positive behavior, so that the positive attributes within the culture of the agency are reinforced and negative behaviors are eliminated.

C) Ensure that agency has fair and consistent enforcement practices with an emphasis on accountability and transparency.

D) Maintain agency policy and practices that encourage and reward positive social interaction between the officers and the public.

E) Model behavior that demonstrates an appreciation for diversity within the agency and in the community.

F) Form partnerships with social services, nonprofits, and the faith community to assist with calls to service for incidents that are better served by social service providers and medical professionals.

G) Encourage the use of a community policing philosophy.

H) Adopt procedural justice concepts.

I) Prioritize spending to match desired results by investing in evidence-based practices that improve community/agency relationships ( i.e focus on deterrence strategies and problem-oriented policing).

J) Develop policies, communication strategies, and professional standards for using social media platforms both on and off duty.

K) Determine cost-effective uses of technology that can assist with the identification, reduction, or elimination of crimes.

Question 43

Hiring and Recruiting

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 43

A) Develop and implement programs to attract diverse officer candidates.

B) Publicize activities or interactions that highlight law enforcement and the public working together to achieve common goals.

C) Identify and eliminate barriers that prevent diverse candidates from applying and being selected; include officers on the selection panel who understand diverse candidates’ backgrounds and the socio-cultural backgrounds of those the new officers will serve.

D) Ensure fair and effective internal practices that would encourage officers to recruit others through word of mouth.

E) Recruit officer candidates from within the communities they serve (i.e work with community colleges and universities, employment agencies, sheriff Explorer programs, high-school and military organizations).

F) Work with secondary educators, coaches, and administrators to inspire youth to get involved in the community service and encourage them to explore careers in law enforcement.

Question 44

Training

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 44

A) Incorporate training in procedural justice for in-service training.

B) Add training in fair, unbiased policing for in-service training, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups.

C) Incorporate training in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution for in-service training, including responding to situations that have the potential to become volatile.

D) Conduct in-service training to make officers aware of the consequences of taking things personally and reacting to perceived challenges to authority, and help officers develop strategies to maintain self control.

E) Conduct in -service training that incorporates concepts on diversity and justice-based policing (LEED- Listen and Explain with Equity and Dignity), including responding with professionalism and empathy to people who appear different from oneself.

F) Make officers aware of the negative effects of the imbalance of power and provide training on practical techniques to avoid or mitigate these effects.

G) To address gaps in training and make training more accessible and timely to law enforcement officers, provide in-service training on new techniques, current events and trends, in alternative formats such as virtual classrooms and self-paced instruction.

H) Expand in-service training to improve interpersonal skills

I) Provide training for senior staff on how to address the media.

J) Explore the feasibility of offering online courses that support executives who want to implement or enhance officer training on interpersonal skills and procedural justice.

Question 45

Outreach

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 45

A) Create a forum for the community to discuss their concerns with local law enforcement.

B) For each unique segment of the community, identify and implement the most effective means of engaging the public. This may include identifying and soliciting the participation of recognized community leaders as well as informal community leaders.

C) Identify and implement other sustainable, highly effective community awareness and involvement strategies using key community leaders and members of the public (i.e ride-alongs, neighborhood watch programs, and citizen police academies.

D) Encourage community engagement by creatively enhancing traditional methods such as citizen police academies and neighborhood watch; explore new ways to engage the entire community.

E) Use social media as a tool to develop and maintain a relationship with the community.

F) Increase opportunities for police officers and the public to engage through social and community events.

G) Publicize activities or interactions that highlight law enforcement and the public working together to achieve common goals.

Question 46

Educating the Public

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 46

A) Involve community members in cultural diversity training. Include training that shows the public and law enforcement how fear is experienced from another perspective.

B) Be transparent, including educating the community about internal administrative review processes, investigation procedures, and policies on releasing information.

C) Educate the local news media about internal processes and procedures and include them in scenario-based training to increase their awareness of a law enforcement officer’s job.

D) Develop agency marketing strategies to educate the community on fair, unbiased policing; this should be done through a variety of communication media, such as news articles, pamphlets, the internet, and social media as well as other non-conventional methods, such as open communication with local schools, places of worship, and other organizations.

F) Educate the public on biases against law enforcement and how important it is for everyone to identify and manage their biases.

G) Encourage community partnerships to aid communities in understanding their responsibility and accountability for ensuring safety for the public and law enforcement.

H) Use ride-alongs and similar programs to help the public understand the realities of the officer’s job.

I) Encourage transparency by accurately supplying crime statistics with clear explanations and interpretations to the public.

Question 47

Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 47

A) Add training for agency executives to explore strategies for modeling positive behavior, so that the positive attributes within the culture of the agency are reinforced and negative behaviors are eliminated.

B) Explore the concept of procedural justice and discuss how it’s application can enhance safety for both officers and the community.

C) Add training in fair, unbiased policing in the leadership training, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups.

D) Provide training in the leadership training program on interpersonal skills, de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution, including responding to situations that have the potential to become volatile.

E) Conduct training in perceived challenges to authority, strategies for maintaining self-control, and the impact on the agency, officer, and community when the officer fails to maintain self-control.

F) Incorporate training in diversity and justice-based policing (LEED-Listen and Explain with Equity and Dignity) in the leadership training, including responding with professionalism and empathy to people who appear different from oneself.

G) To address gaps in training and make training more accessible and timely to law enforcement officers, provide leadership training on new techniques, current events, and trends, in alternative formats such as virtual classrooms and self-paced instruction.

H) Provide training to senior staff in how to address the media.

I) Within the leadership training programs, incorporate instruction on ways to help officers build on and maintain the effective use of interpersonal skills and use of force techniques that are less lethal.

J) Explore the feasibility of offering online courses to law enforcement executives who want to implement procedural justice at their agency.

Question 48

Recommendations for each of the factors

1. Organizational culture and values:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 48

Create an environment where leadership re-commits to the mission statement, goals, and objectives of the organization, and models behavior expected of the entire agency. (LEA)

Explore strategies to model positive behavior, so that the positive attributes within the culture of the agency are reinforced and negative behaviors are eliminated. (LEA)

Add training for agency executives to explore strategies for modeling positive behavior, so that the positive attributes within the culture of the agency are reinforced and negative behaviors are eliminated. (FCJEI)

Incorporate training in procedural justice for in-service and leadership training. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Add training in fair, unbiased policing for in-service and leadership training, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Provide training in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution for in-service and leadership training, including responding to situations that have the potential to become volatile. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Incorporate training in procedural justice in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program. (CJSTC)

Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding fair, unbiased policing, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (CJSTC)

Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution, including responding to situations that have the potential to become volatile. (CJSTC)

Question 49

Recommendations..

2. Involvement with the community:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 49

Create a forum for the community to discuss their concerns with local law enforcement. (LEA)

For each unique segment of the community, identify and implement the most effective means of engaging the public. This may include identifying and soliciting the participation of recognized community leaders as well as informal community leaders. (LEA)

Identify and implement other sustainable, highly effective community awareness and involvement strategies using key community leaders and members of the public (i.e ride-alongs, neighborhood watch programs, and citizen police academies. (LEA)

Question 50

Recommendations…

3. Understanding diverse populations

Answer 50

Expand/Incorporate training concepts on diversity and justice-based policing (LEED- Listen and Explain with Equity and Dignity) in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program, in-service training, and leadership training, including responding with professionalism and empathy to people who appear different from oneself. (LEA) (CJSTC) (FCJEI)

Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding fair, unbiased policing, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (CJSTC)

Question 51

Recommendations…

4. Workforce diversity

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 51

Develop and implement programs to attract diverse officer candidates. (LEA)

Publicize activities or interactions that highlight law enforcement and the public working together to achieve common goals. (LEA)

Identify and eliminate barriers that prevent diverse candidates from applying and being selected, include officers on the selection panel who understand diverse candidates’ backgrounds and the socio- cultural backgrounds of those the new officers will serve. (LEA)

Model behavior that demonstrates an appreciation for diversity within the agency and in the community.
(LEA)

Ensure fair and effective internal practices that would encourage officers to recruit others through word of mouth. (LEA)

Work with secondary educators, coaches, and administrators to inspire youth to get involved in community service and encourage them to explore careers in law enforcement. (LEA)

Question 52

Recommendations…

5. Gaps in post-basic training:

Answer 52

To address gaps in training and make training more accessible and timely to law enforcement officers, provide courses on new techniques, current events, and trends, in alternative formats such as virtual classrooms and self-paced instruction. (LEA) (CJSTC) (FCJEI)

Question 53

Recommendations…

6. Skill building and maintenance:

Answer 53

Use situational scenarios in both the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training and post-basic training to build and maintain the effective use of interpersonal skills and use of force techniques that are less lethal. (CJSTC)

Explore the feasibility of offering online courses to law enforcement executives who want to implement or enhance officer training on procedural justice at their agency. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Within leadership training programs, incorporate instruction on ways to help officers build on and maintain the effective use of interpersonal skills and use of force techniques that are less lethal. (FCJEI)

Question 54

Recommendations..

7. Lack of knowledge of cross-cultural norms

Answer 54

Maintain agency policy and practices that encourage and rewards positive social interaction between the officers and the public. (LEA)

Increase opportunities for police officers and the public to engage through social and community events. (LEA)

Involve community members in cultural diversity training. Include training that shows the public and law enforcement how fear is experienced from another perspective. (LEA)

Recruit officer candidates from within the communities they serve (i.e work with community colleges and universities, employment agencies, sheriff explorer programs, high-school and military organizations). (LEA)

Question 55

Recommendations..

8. Interpersonal communications and use of force

Answer 55

Incorporate training in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution for in-service and leadership training, including responding to situations that have the potential to become volatile. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Expand in-service training to improve interpersonal skills. (LEA)

Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution, including responding to situations that have the potential to become volatile. (CJSTC)

Encourage community engagement by creatively enhancing traditional methods such as citizen police academies and neighborhood watch; explore new ways to engage the entire community. (LEA)

Question 56

Recommendations…

9. Conflict and challenges to authority

Answer 56

Elaborate on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program that address how to effectively communicate and maintain proper self-control, making participants aware of the consequences of taking things personally and reacting to perceived challenges to their authority; and the need to develop strategies to maintain self control. (CJSTC)

Conduct in-service training to make officers aware of the consequences of taking things personally and reacting to perceived challenges to authority, and help officers develop strategies to maintain self-control. (LEA)

Conduct training in perceived challenges to authority, strategies for maintaining self-control, and the impact on the agency, officer, and community when the officer fails to maintain self-control. (FCJEI)

Include additional training scenarios in Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program to increase skills in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and the use of force de-escalation. (CJSTC)

Work with secondary educators, coaches, and administrators to inspire youth to get involved in community service and encourage them to explore careers in law enforcement. (LEA)

Question 57

Recommendations..

10. Public understanding of the criminal justice system

Answer 57

Develop marketing strategies to educate the community on how the criminal justice system works. Employ a variety of communication media such as news articles, pamphlets, the internet, and social media as well as other non-conventional methods of open communication with local schools, places of worship and other organizations. (LEA)

Be transparent, including educating the community about internal administrative review processes, investigation procedures, and policies on releasing information. (LEA)

Question 58

Recommendations…

11. Dynamics of power:

Answer 58

Incorporate material on the imbalance of power and practical techniques to avoid or mitigate these effects when interacting with the public into the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program. (CJSTC)

Make officers aware of the negative effects of the imbalance of power and provide training on practical techniques to avoid or mitigate these effects. (LEA)

Question 59

Recommendations…

12. Assumptions and bias

Answer 59

Add training in fair, unbiased policing for in-service and leadership training, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding fair, unbiased policing, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (CJSTC)

Educate the public on biases against law enforcement and how important it is for everyone to identify and manage their biases. (LEA)

Question 60

Recommendations…

13. Historical relationship between law enforcement and minority communities:

Answer 60

Identify and implement other sustainable, highly effective community awareness and involvement strategies using key community leaders and members of the public (i.e ride alongs, neighborhood watch programs, and citizen police academies). (LEA)

Ensure the agency has fair and consistent enforcement practices with an emphasis on accountability and transparency. (LEA)

Encourage the use of community policing philosophy. (LEA)

Encourage community partnerships to aid communities in understanding their responsibility and accountability for ensuring safety for the public and law enforcement. (LEA)

Create a forum for the community to discuss their concerns with local law enforcement. (LEA)

Incorporate training in procedural justice for in-service and leadership training. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Add training in fair, unbiased policing for in-service and leadership training, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (LEA) (FCJEI)

Question 61

Recommendations…

14. Law enforcement response to complex social or medical disorders:

Answer 61

Form partnerships with social service, nonprofits, and the faith community to assist with calls to service for incidents that are better served by social providers and medical professionals. (LEA)

Provide opportunities for officers to participate in contemporary training on law enforcement response to social and medical issues such as diabetic emergencies, intellectual (i.e mental illness, autism) and developmental disabilities. (CJSTC)

Use ride-alongs and similar programs to help the public understand the realities of the officer’s job. (LEA)

Question 62

Recommendations…

15. News Media:

Answer 62

Be transparent, including educating the community about internal administrative review processes, investigation procedures and policies on releasing information. (CJSTC)

Provide training to senior staff in how to address the media (CJSTC)

Educate the local news media about internal processes and procedures and include them in scenario-based training to increase their awareness of a law enforcement officer’s job. (CJSTC)

Question 63

Recommendations…

16. Social Media:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 63

Develop policies, communication strategies, and the maintenance of professional standards for using social media platforms both on and off duty. (LEA)

Be transparent, including educating the community about internal administrative review processes, investigation procedures, and policies on releasing information. (LEA)

Use social media as a tool to develop and maintain a relationship with the community. (LEA)

Question 64

Recommendations…

17. Public perception of crime statistics:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 64

Encourage transparency by accurately supplying crime statistics with clear explanations and interpretations. (LEA)

Question 65

Recommendations…

18. Allocation of resources:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 65

Prioritize spending to match desired results by investing in evidence-based practices that improve community/agency relationships (i.e focus on deterrence strategies and problem-oriented policing.) (LEA)

Determine cost-effective uses of technology that can assist with the identification, reduction or elimination of crimes. (LEA)

Question 66

Recommendations…

19. Fear:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 66

Expand/Incorporate training in fair, unbiased policing in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program, in-service training, and leadership training, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (LEA) (CJSTC) (FCJEI)

Involve community members in cultural diversity training. Include training that shows the public and law enforcement how fear is experienced from another perspective. (LEA)

Develop agency marketing strategies to educate the community on fair, unbiased policing; this should be done through a variety of communication media, such as news articles, pamphlets, the internet, and social media. (LEA)

Question 67

Recommendations…

20. Legitimacy:

Strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 67

Incorporate concepts in procedural justice, fair, unbiased policing, and conflict resolution in the Basic Recruit Training Program, in-service training, and leadership training. (LEA) (CJSTC) (FCJEI)

Be transparent, including educating the community about internal administrative review processes, investigation procedures and policies on releasing information. (LEA)

Adopt community policing and procedural justice concepts. (LEA)

Question 68

Recommendations…

21. Trust

Strenghthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the public

Answer 68

Identify and implement other sustainable, highly effective community awareness and involvement strategies using key community leaders and members of the public (i.e ride-alongs, neighborhood watch programs, and citizen police academies). (LEA)

Ensure the agency has fair and consistent enforcement practices with an emphasis on accountability and transparency. (LEA)

Adopt community policing and procedural justice concepts. (LEA)

Encourage community partnerships to aid communities in understanding their responsibility and accountability for ensuring safety for the public and law enforcement. (LEA)

Publicize activities or interactions that highlight law enforcement and the public working together to achieve common goals. (LEA)

Incorporate training in procedural justice in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program. (CJSTC)

Expound on current concepts within the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program regarding fair, unbiased policing, including discussion on assumptions and biases, and fear of different groups. (CJSTC)