Task Force On Policing In The 21st Century

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In December 2014, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order to create a task force on policing in the 21st Century to address several high profile incidents between local law enforcement and the communities they serve. The purpose of the task force was to provide guidance to the President on the best practices for the policing profession that endorse reducing crime while building trust with the public. The task force created six pillars to their proposal, which includes:
• Building Trust and Legitimacy
• Policy and Oversight
• Technology and Social Media
• Community Policing and Crime Reduction
• Training and Education
• Officer Wellness and Safety
In order to fulfill the six pillars in the plan, a complete culture shift must take place …show more content…

Although there is some resistance, most officers adapt easily and are open to new ideas. The key to any change effort is to explain the reason for the change to the rank and file, give them an opportunity to question the change, and provide opportunities for them to become involved. Information is power and the more information provided to the organization reduces the apprehension among its members.
For any change effort, it is imperative to get all leaders from the organization, formal and informal, involved in the process. Change must come from the top, but formal leaders can only carry the message so far. Many members in the organization believe the formal leaders have lost touch with the rank and file and do not have their best interest at heart. Even though the formal leaders are an integral part of the process, the informal leaders will make the change a …show more content…

Code Blue is a community/police partnership where citizens volunteer their time to help the police department patrol their neighborhoods. This partnership has been in existence since the early 1990s. In addition, there are dedicated officers assigned as NPOs (neighborhood patrol officers) throughout the city. One of their responsibilities is to work hand in hand with the Code Blue members as well as attend neighborhood/community meetings. NPOs handle criminal and quality of life issues within their assigned areas. The NPOs primary job is to serve as a liaison between the police department and community. Without the help of our Code Blue members, the crime rate in Fort Worth would be much higher. They work with the police department and provide solutions to issues within their neighborhoods. Within the last five years, we have expanded the Code Blue program to areas of the city that have a high Hispanic population that only speak Spanish. This expansion has been successful and has bridged the gaps with a part of the community that feared the police due to certain immigration reforms. Although the NPOs and Code Blue members have had a substantial impact on crime and community engagement, the Fort Worth Police Department has expanded their community outreach programs to the