Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/09/97
LET240 19956-19984	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Community-Based Policing
Philosophy and principles of Community-based Policing emphasizing customer service, prevention of problems, partnership, and teamwork, for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in community neighborhoods. Practical examples of best practices in progressive police departments and on implementation of effective processes and techniques that potentially benefit a variety of police organizations. Prerequisites: Departmental Approval.

Go to Competencies    Go to Outline
 

MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
LET240   19956-19984	Community-Based Policing

1.	Identify the core concepts of community-based policing. (I)
2.	Compare and contrast core concepts of community-based policing and historical approaches. (I, II)
3.	Name the critical processes of community-based policing and apply these processes to typical scenarios. (III)
4.	Describe the targeted outcomes of community-based policing. (IV)
5.	Contrast the mission statement of a traditionally focused police department with that of a department that has committed to community-based policing. (V)
6.	Explain the concept of employee empowerment as it applies to community-based policing. (VI)
7.	Identify examples of community partnerships. (VII)
8.	Identify changes that must be made in a traditional job description to implement community-based policing. (VIII)
9.	Describe the role of the citizen in community-based policing. (IX)
10.	Assess the effectiveness of solutions described in case studies involving the need for community-based policing. (X)
11.	Estimate the relative value of the core concepts of community- based policing in terms of return on investment of resources to the community. (I, IV, VII, X)
12.	Summarize and apply a four-step method of problem solving to community-based policing. (XI)
13.	Identify challenges faced by communities and propose methods for addressing these challenges. (XII)

Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies
 

MCCCD Official Course Outline:
LET240   19956-19984	Community-Based Policing

I. Core Concepts of Community-Based Policing A. Broadened Scope of Concerns B. Long Term Partnerships 1. Citizens 2. Neighbors 3. Agencies 4. Private Enterprise C. Empowerment of Line Level D. Ongoing Evaluations and Adjustment of Efforts E. Maintenance of Ethical Orientation II. Historical Approaches A. Neighborhood Team Policing B. Block Watch C. Silent Witness D. Citizen Police Academy E. Participative Management F. Management by Objectives III. Critical Processes A. Involvement of Internal and External Customers B. Partnerships 1. Police Department and Other Departments/Agencies 2. Police Department and Citizens 3. Public Sector and Private Enterprise 4. Sworn and Civilian Personnel within Department 5. Line and Support Functions within Department C. Empowerment of Employees 1. Decisionmaking Power 2. Increased Latitude 3. Improved Decisionmaking 4. Risk Taking 5. Job Responsibility D. Empowerment of Citizens 1. Citizen Control of Neighborhoods 2. Citizen and Neighborhood Pride 3. Citizen Ability to Ensure Neighborhood safety and Quality of Life E. Problem Solving Orientation 1. Causes of Problems 2. Proactivity 3. Collaboration between Employees and Customers F. Quality of Life 1. Larger Scope of Concerns 2. Greater Range of Tools 3. Customization of Services G. Maintenance of Quality Basic Services 1. Timely Response to Emergency Calls 2. Following Up on Solving Major Crimes 3. Reduced Emphasis on Motorized Patrol 4. Increased Emphasis on Personalized Interaction 5. Cost Effectiveness IV. Targeted Outcomes A. Employee Satisfaction B. Reduction of Service Calls C. Community Support D. Solution of Root Problems E. Community Pride F. Ownership Feeling of Neighborhoods G. Reduction of Crime H. Improvement of Team Processes 1. Throughout the Organization 2. Within Neighborhoods I. Improved Quality of Life J. Improved Use of Available Resources V. Mission Statements A. Traditional Police Department 1. Protection 2. Maintaining Order B. Community-Based Policing 1. Community-Oriented Law Enforcement 2. Partnership with Community 3. Quality of Life 4. Traditional Roles of Police Department VI. Employee Empowerment A. Decisionmaking Authority B. Freedom of Employees to Take Appropriate Action C. Improved Decisionmaking D. Risk Taking for Improved Responsiveness E. Enlargement of Scope of Responsibility VII. Appropriate Community Partnerships A. Team Approach 1. Residential and Business Community Contacts 2. Reducing Open Crime Activity 3. Establishing Block/Business Watch Programs 4. Targeted Customer Satisfaction B. Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program 1. Crime Prevention 2. Participation Incentives to Property Managers and Owners C. Gang Resistance Education and Training Program 1. Prevention of Gang Activity by Pre-Teen Juveniles 2. Proactive Measures VIII. Traditonal Job Description Changes A. Expanded Scope of Authority B. Enhanced Leadership Role Within Community C. Increase in Direct Contact with Customers D. Proactive Approaches to Problem Solving E. Interagency Partnerships for Problem Solving F. Action Orientation of Police Role G. Emphasis on Quality of Life Issues IX. Role of the Citizen A. Empowered to Control Crime B. Citizen Advisory Groups 1. Input on Policy and Social Issues 2. Identification of Service Targets 3. Education of the Public 4. General Support C. Participation in Community-Based Government X. Criteria for Assessing Effectiveness A. Quality of Life B. Addressing Critical Issues C. Problem Prevention Success D. Initiative in Addressing Situations Before Problems Arise E. Empowerment F. Ongoing Evaluations XI. Four-Step Method of Problem Solving A. Scanning 1. On-Site Visits by Employees 2. Discussion with Residents or Other Officers 3. Gathering Other Pertinent Data B. Analysis 1. Problem Scope 2. Causes of Problem 3. Effects of Problem 4. Components of Problem 5. Restraining Factors C. Response 1. Development of Goal 2. Reduction or Elimination of Problem D. Assessment 1. Evaluation by Employees 2. Identification of Extent to Which Program Achieves Goals XII. Challenges Faced in Implementing Community-Based Policing A. Budget Constraints B. Resistance to Change 1. Employees 2. Management C. Increased Controversy and Public Debate D. Increased Demand for Services E. Higher Expectations by the Public F. Requirement of Additional Meeting Time G. Additional Ethical Challenges 1. Greater Autonomy for Employees 2. Ensuring Consistency of Practices to Policy 3. Increased Potential for Impropriety 4. Obligation to Represent Interests Surrounding Wider Portions of the Community

Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies    Go to top of Outline