Assignment: Leadership in Action
Engaging the community in positive, friendly ways is essential to building trust and legitimacy. FBI Director James Comey while speaking at Georgetown University expressed the need for law enforcement to better know the communities they serve. Comey quoted New York Commissioner Bill Bratton’s statement that, “We must work to really see each other.” Comey advocated community outreach programs like PAL’s and heavily suggests Officers get out of their patrol vehicles to increase public interaction. Comey said that these are small things, but they are vital. It builds empathy. It helps the community “see” and understand the dangers and responsibilities of the police as they work to keep the public safe. In order for law enforcement to do its job effectively, it needs the public’s trust. In communities disproportionally affected by crime, it is important to develop strategies that build positive relationships. Among the agencies that have implemented community policing programs in the past year, 99% have reported improved cooperation with the public, an 80% decrease in citizens’ fear of crime and a 62% decrease in reported crimes against persons (National Institute of Justice). The Servant leadership style with its focus on consensus building is better suited to …show more content…
Watts is patrolled by the Southeast Division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The division has some of the highest crime and poverty rates in the city (Rubin). Camden policed by the recently created Camden County Police Department (CCPD) is also known for its high crime rate and poverty. The two communities are policed by departments using community outreach programs and led by strong leaders whose strategies I would follow in developing my own community engagement
Engaging the community in positive, friendly ways is essential to building trust and legitimacy. FBI Director James Comey while speaking at Georgetown University expressed the need for law enforcement to better know the communities they serve. Comey quoted New York Commissioner Bill Bratton’s statement that, “We must work to really see each other.” Comey advocated community outreach programs like PAL’s and heavily suggests Officers get out of their patrol vehicles to increase public interaction. Comey said that these are small things, but they are vital. It builds empathy. It helps the community “see” and understand the dangers and responsibilities of the police as they work to keep the public safe. In order for law enforcement to do its job effectively, it needs the public’s trust. In communities disproportionally affected by crime, it is important to develop strategies that build positive relationships. Among the agencies that have implemented community policing programs in the past year, 99% have reported improved cooperation with the public, an 80% decrease in citizens’ fear of crime and a 62% decrease in reported crimes against persons (National Institute of Justice). The Servant leadership style with its focus on consensus building is better suited to …show more content…
Watts is patrolled by the Southeast Division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The division has some of the highest crime and poverty rates in the city (Rubin). Camden policed by the recently created Camden County Police Department (CCPD) is also known for its high crime rate and poverty. The two communities are policed by departments using community outreach programs and led by strong leaders whose strategies I would follow in developing my own community engagement