Report Finding #3
PD does not embrace best practices in community policing, engagement found in individual interactions, and partnerships with stakeholders. Educate officers on this process
Recommendation #5:
Recruit local residents, business owners, and representatives of local support service providers to serve as role players, if they agree to be properly trained, for police training scenarios and on internal hiring and promotional panels.
Action: Recommendation #5
The use of community members during training exercises may not be advisable in most situations. Role players have scripted responses and objectives designed to achieve the desired training results. Training the participants may take more time that community members would be able to commit too at this time. This will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Progress: Recommendation #5 - Completed
The Department carefully evaluated training needs and the ability to use community members. This use may proceed in specific cases and will require ongoing evaluation.
Recommendation #6:
Encourage officers to follow up with crime victims. For example, when officers return from their days off in Patrol, they can be instructed to visit or call recent crime victims, especially seniors who live alone or victims still living in fear because the involved suspects are still outstanding.
Action: Recommendation #6
The Department has recently added a Victim/Witness Coordinator. This person will be assessing our current practices and making recommendations for changes and improvements.
Progress: Recommendation #6 - In Progress
The department Victim/Witness Coordinator will carry out this action.
Recommendation #7:
Periodically invite residents to visit and tour the Police Department facilities.
Action: Recommendation #7
Countless tours of the department facilities have been completed in the previous year and continue to occur.
Progress: Recommendation #7 - In Progress
Additional tours of Department facilities have been completed and will continue to be an option when possible.
Recommendation #8:
Participate in or host more community events, such as National Night Out or Neighborhood Watch meetings.
Action: Recommendation #8
LPD is currently planning to participate in the Safety Fair during the National Night Out as previously done. The Department Communications Director will be exploring additional neighborhood meetings, group meetings, and other events to support those goals.
Progress: Recommendation #8 - In Progress
The department has hired a Communications Director who is working with staff assigned to lead community engagement programs.
Recommendation #9:
Offer Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) reviews to local residents and business owners. CPTED is a multidisciplinary approach of crime prevention that uses urban and architectural design and the management of built and natural environments. CPTED strategies aim to reduce victimization, deter offender decisions that precede criminal acts, and build a sense of community among inhabitants so they can gain territorial control of areas, reduce crime, and minimize fear of crime.
Action: Recommendation #9
We are currently identifying personnel to attend CPTED training. Once trained, the members will establish opportunities to train community members in that discipline if the demand exists.
Progress: Recommendation #9 - Under Review
The Department is in the first stages – identifying personnel.
Lawrence Strategic Plan Progress Indicators
- 1.SaS-8: Percent of residents rating trust in emergency services departments as satisfied or very satisfied
- 2.SaS-6: Variance of satisfaction with perceptions of safety by race, gender, education and income