The 3 P’s in Community Policing. People. Policies. Processes
First, let’s discuss what Community Policing really is. Community policing has three key components: establishing community partnerships, taking part in problem-solving, and executing community policing organizational elements. For more information about these critical components, read on the tabs below.
What are the 3 Ps in Community Policing?
3 P’s in community policing are defined as people, policies, and processes. These are the vital elements to successfully implement and build capacity for change successfully.
- Engaging People
Policing practices become effective when they are explained and understood by the department and the community. Moreover, the department’s influence is also vital to better engage the community. Consequently, these will result in better community participation in policing strategies and problem-solving.
Aside from this, engaging people has three vital components: leadership, defining success, and immersion.
- Leadership
Community policing relies on organizational transformation. Until an organization’s leadership is devoted to using organization resources and building better community relations, it cannot transform. With this, leaders have to influence their people and ensure they share the same goals.
- Defining Success
Departments must set plans and goals. They should also assess the resources needed and available to achieve them. Given this, it is essential that departments plan strategically, develop a Mission, Vision, and Values statement, and formulate a department-wide plan.
Aside from these, departments should also lay out their expectations and expected outcomes shared with internal and external stakeholders.
- Immersion
Before executing developmental plans, the principles of justice and community policing should show in all department sectors. These principles should be present in department manuals and processes, including recruitment, promotion, and evaluation.
2. Implementing Policies
After developing a policy, the department must explain and brief the personnel about the policies’ objectives and expectations. This will make the policies operational and easier to carry out. A well-thought policy reflects the pillars of procedural justice. These are fairness, voice, transparency, and impartiality.
Aside from this, it is also vital that personnel are given clear and consistent instructions. They should be trained during roll-call and should consistently show the message being delivered. Moreover, trainers should be evaluated by supervisors if there are any.
Lastly, departments can employ policy coordinators to ensure that policies are current. Policies should match other policies and could be amended to fit the department.
3. Creating Sustainable Processes
Sustainability results from effective planning, proper execution, clear and consistent communication, and consistent application of processes. To ensure sustainability, the following key elements should be reflected:
- Accountability
Transparency and consistency should be present to ensure accountability. For internal accountability, sergeants can observe and review reports and investigations. On the other hand, external accountability can be applied by reviewing criticism and feedback from the community.
- Evaluation of Compliance
Compliance is vital. If there is an intentional failure, accountability should be sought, and corrective action should be taken. On the other hand, unintentional failure makes the leadership accountable. This is because the policy may have been unclear, poorly designed, or inconsistent.
- Tools for Measurement and Accountability
Making a policy or process operational requires training, measurement, review, and transparency. With this, departments can use tools for measurement and accountability, including:
- Inspections
- Supervisory overseeing
- Performance evaluation
- Disciplinary actions
Final Thoughts
When departments follow the 3 P’s, explain them department-wide and to the community, and ensure transparency and consistency, success is guaranteed. With this, departments must be familiar with the 3 Ps in Community Policing to ensure engagement and success.
