Briefing Room

Community Policing Gateway

Community policing is offered as the replacement for traditional policing. A vigorous attempt is underway to develop a generally accepted definition for community policing. Interestingly, the traditional police organization is the driving force behind the search for this definition. The traditional police bureaucracy requires a definition so it can include community policing in its ensemble of activities. Tradition dictates that community policing be included within the traditional policing bureaucracy as a community policing bureau or unit which will perform its duties according to the definition of community policing the organization adopts. Ironically, a generally accepted definition for community policing would eliminate police activity based on that definition as effective community policing. Effective community policing must be tailored to the specific situations faced by a particular community. Therefore, no generally accepted definition of community policing can be developed. Effective community policing must be police activity based on a long term strategy, address problems prioritized through a consensus of the community, and marshal all government resources in support of the community consensus. Community policing is solving problems identified by the community which threaten the stability of that community. Effective community policing is more than enforcing laws, it is community based problem solving. Effective community policing is in essence community building.

Community policing is not a set of procedures to be adopted by police officers assigned to perform community policing duties. Community policing is not public relations. Community policing is not a squad, a unit, or a bureau. Community policing is a philosophy which must transcend the entire police organization and transform the basic law enforcement culture.

The community police officer does not regard members of the community as civilians which to exercise dominion. The community police officer instead sees himself or herself as a representative of the law abiding community who merely exercises, on a full time basis, those duties which are the responsibility of every citizen in a civilized society. A community police officer is not necessarily a popular figure in the community. But a community police officer does generate community respect. A community police officer's effectiveness is not measured by statistical production unrelated to a community based problem solving strategy. The effectiveness of a community police officer is measured by the ability to marshal the required resources to solve a problem identified by the community. The measure of the ultimate effectiveness of a community police effort is the absence of community problems.

Three officers (2 permanently, 1 TDY) are assigned to a code enforcement team. They work hand-in-hand with the fire, and building and zoning departments. Their function is to provide inspections and subsequent enforcement of all City codes. Ultimately, they contribute to providing a clean and safe environment for all members of our community.

Learn more about the Code Enforcement Team.

There are two passive narcotics drug dog teams assigned to the Community Support Division. These dogs are utilized to rapidly and efficiently detect illegal drugs in a variety of situations, including buildings, property, vehicles, and persons. These teams are very effective, and have provided invaluable assistance to other officers. In addition, these dogs are used in educational efforts at schools to teach students to say no to drugs.

Briefing Room

Community Policing Gateway