The Community Policing Self-Assessment Tool

Introduction

The Community Policing Self-Assessment Tool (CP-SAT) is a survey that helps your agency measure its progress in implementing community policing. CP-SAT confidentially captures information about community partnerships, problem solving, and organizational impact.

Purpose of CP-SAT

This assessment allows agencies to measure the extent to which community policing has been implemented within their agency.

Background of CP-SAT

This tool was developed with significant input from community policing experts and practitioners and was designed to meet scientific standards for rigor, while also being user-friendly. This tool was created based on over five years of work by COPS, ICF International, and Police Executive Research Forum and has been administered in agencies across the country. The tool is currently being administered by ICF International on behalf of the COPS Office.

CP-SAT Modules

The CP-SAT will measure the three key components of community policing:

• Community Partnerships. Collaborative partnerships between the law enforcement agency and the individuals andorganizations they serve to develop solutions to problems and increase trust in police.
• Problem Solving. The process of engaging in the proactive and systematic examination of identified problems to develop effective responses that are evaluated rigorously. This module is based on the SARA model (i.e., Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment).
• Organizational Transformation. The alignment of organizational management, structure, personnel, and information systems to support community partnerships and proactive problem solving.

 Description of CP-SAT Short Form

• Estimated to take approximately 15 minutes per participant.
• Completed by sworn staff at all levels, civilian staff who work on community partnerships and/or problem solving, and representatives from community partners who are knowledgeable about the agency and how it interacts with partners.
• Includes questions tailored for different agency stakeholder types (e.g., patrol officers, command staff, community partners*)

 Benefits

• The CP-SAT Short Form allows agencies to measure the extent to which community policing has been implemented in various units and ranks within their agency.
• Agencies will receive an automated report, which summarizes their results in a user-friendly format.
• Agencies will be able to enhance community policing efforts through the identification of community policing strengths and areas for improvement.
• The CP-SAT results can help support strategic planning, identify a list of training needs, and promote the agency's community policing successes to the public and governing officials.

Example Documentation

• Example Report
• Example Review Rubric
• Example Citizen Perception
• Example of Engaging Community Leadership

Sample Resources

• Survey Examples
• Performance Evaluations Literature Review
• Performance Management Evaluation