Community policing and how it can work. The “Us Against Them” mentality that the citizens in certain communities and the police have can be fixed, Here is how……
While the majority of data shows that community policing works, it is how it is implemented that is so important.
We applaud NYC with its Broken Window’s Program and use of citizens and community leaders. We also applaud Lake Saint Louis, Missouri PD who use the Reality Check Program DVD to help families as a community policing tool. Giving out the RCP DVD shows the citizens the police care BEFORE a major incident happens.
When the community sees the police are willing to work with an ex-con and the #1 program to help their child, the police gain true partners. Most families have a member who made some serious mistakes and has a record, or is an addict, or at least they know of a relative, or friend, who made mistakes, and when the citizens see the police are willing to work with those people, the police gain trust.
“The first reaction people have is, you are standing with the chief of police or the cops”, said Larry Lawton. “That is what makes the community understand that the cops are good people and not just out to get people. They see a man like me who has Street Cred, who didn’t rat, isn’t a cop in uniform, is not an informant, but is out there trying to help the community and is willing to work with the police, it is a powerful statement”, said Lawton.
When police agencies use the Reality Check Program DVD with their logo 
on the DVD, the community sees a police department that cares. You turn citizens into partners. With the #1 DVD in the country, the DVD might save a young man from making some very bad choices, gives cops another tool besides a gun, tank, etc, and increases an officer’s moral.
98% of all cops join the force to HELP people, we believe that. It is how the leadership in a police department uses their resources. In law enforcement, it is the leadership that sets the tone. A leader who gives awards for helping people like changing a flat, speaking to schools or churches, using the RCP DVD, etc, is a leader who sets the tone as a community minded leader. If a leader only gives out awards for number of arrests, number of DUI’s, etc. they set the tone as a hard-nosed leader who wants arrests. Young officers will follow the lead of the Chief. Be the community minded Chief. Show the media and your community you care.
The Reality Check Program DVD opens up a dialogue between the cops and the community.
The definition of community policing by the department of justice’s COPs (Community Oriented Policing Services) program is:
Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.
Community Partnerships
Collaborative partnerships between the law enforcement agency and the individuals and organizations they serve to develop solutions to problems and increase trust in police. Other Government Agencies
Community Members/Groups
Nonprofits/Service Providers
Private Businesses
Media
View Larry Lawton and Chief Force on MSNBC – CLICK HERE
To learn more about community policing, email Larry at larry@lawton911.com or call 321-327-2921
