MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: The paper explains some definitions and terms for communities that are interested in overhauling their police departments. Due to the high-profile incidents involving police, as well as the growing demand for equipping police officers with body cameras, community members may want more knowledge about Community Oriented Policing. The beginning of the article looks at the history of different policing styles, such as the watchman, legalistic, and service styles. Due to the problems of the watchman style, and the reactive nature of police officers responding to a crime that has already taken place, police departments needed to adopt different styles. The middle of the paper covers the community policing strategy, which was created to not only improve public relations and community support, but to also help reduce crime rates. COP focuses on police departments working with local citizens to determine and solve the biggest areas of concern in the community. This helps officers learn more about the people they serve, and gives the public the chance to voice their opinions. The article then shifts the focus towards Problem Oriented Policing, which seeks to develop better response strategies. POP emphasizes proactive policing based on research and statistical analysis. The paper concludes with peer reviewed literature about POP and COP integration, to better serve the general public and lower crime rates. Overall, the paper gives readers a better understanding of policing language, to help them make decisions about their police departments moving forward.

Reader’s Profile: This might be a reader who still supports a traditional para-military structured police department, and may not be as concerned with law enforcement reaching out to the community as long as crime rates are reduced. Even worse, another reader may have a very negative view of police in general, and will not believe that any policing style can improve public satisfaction or trust. They may call for complete transparency and accountability, which is not possible for all police departments due to budget constraints.

Reader’s Response: From reading about Ferguson, the Eric Garner case, and the most recent events in Baltimore, I do not think police departments are prepared or trained enough to deal with these issues. I want law enforcement to shift their departmental focus towards helping communities, instead of the current emphasis on upholding justice. Body cameras allow citizens to see every officer’s actions, so I would like all patrol officers to equip them while on duty.

J -- this looks like a good plan. Let's call this project a background document for local government and community members. Your word "traditional" seems not quite right, with the history of policing. Can you develop a timeframe? Say, since the 1880s or so? When did the policy academy/training movement begin. I say this because military style policing seems more recent. Chat with me?