Use of Force and Building Mutual Trust
Policing is a challenging profession that frequently requires split-second
decisions in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and can change rapidly.
The application of force is an essential part of the job of a law enforcement officer.
Force is needed to control situations, arrest criminals, and to ensure the safety
of both the law enforcement officer and the public.
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The COPS Office – Practicing What We Preach
Community policing supports the systematic use of partnerships. It is what we ask from our grantees, what we teach in our training sessions, and what we promote in our publications. It is also what we practice. The most recent example is the COPS Office’s new partnership with the United Negro College Foundation Special Programs Corporation (SP). Read More
Community Policing Nugget: The Role of Traditional Policing in Community Policing
Traditionally, police organizations have responded to crime
after it occurs and, therefore, are structured to support routine patrol,
rapid response to calls for service, arrests, and follow-up investigation.
Community policing calls for a more strategic and thoughtful incorporation
of these aspects of police business into an overall broader police mission
focused on the proactive prevention of crime and disorder.
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The Rising Trend of Unsolved Homicides
While the national homicide rate has fluctuated, the homicide clearance rate has declined steadily, with a drop from 92 percent in 1961 to 61 percent in 2005. This decline results from a number of factors, such as an increase in “stranger homicides,” which are more difficult to solve than “acquaintance homicides.” Read More
Training Opportunity
Creating Vigilant, Prepared, and Resilient Communities for Homeland Security is a 2-day course offered by the Western Community Policing Institute that provides awareness-level information on terrorism and other events of national significance such as natural or manmade disasters. Designed for law enforcement personnel, representatives of government and nongovernment organizations, and community and tribal members, the course provides a community outreach approach to homeland security training that focuses on collaboration and the best efforts of the whole community—both the public and private sectors. Certified by the Department of Homeland Security, it is held in cities all across the United States. For details, including dates and places offered, visit the Western Community Policing Institute’s web site at www.westernrcpi.com.
The Western Community Policing Institute, a member of the National RCPI Network, is affiliated with Western Oregon University.
What’s New from COPS
Nationwide, it has been increasingly difficult to find and retain
talented police officers. This CD is designed to assist chiefs and sheriffs,
as well as other executives, in finding, training, and retaining qualified staff.
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