When you think of the police, you might automatically picture uniformed and, at times, often armed men and women chasing after bad guys and gals who have broken the law and who must be stopped at all costs. Maintaining community safety is, of course, a policeman’s number one job. However, there exists a wide gap between police and the community in general, especially when it comes to children since law enforcement is often perceived not only as authoritarian but above the law.
However, police are not above the law, nor should they appear to be the ultimate authority on anything other than safety issues. Police are just as human as anyone else, which is why some police departments are taking steps to build more trust and friendship with kids and the communities they serve.
Considering recent developments in the U.S. and Europe with calls for disbanding or defunding the police, new ways to keep them motivated have arisen. One of these ways is to present the most deserving policemen and women with trophies and awards for their service. According to the professionals at EDCO, an employee awards company based in the U.S., police officer award ideas should not be limited to displaying bravery while in the line of duty, but should also include those officers who unselfishly give back to their community.
While fighting crime is a hard job for the police, it’s a relief to know that they are dedicated to keeping society free of danger and that they will always answer the call with bravery. Police officer recognition awards are of vital importance for showcasing the department and the community’s appreciation not only for the sacrifices the officers make but also for their commitment to the community at large.
That said, what are some of the ways police departments are bridging the gap between themselves and everyday folks in the 2020s? According to a recent report by Police 1, there are a variety of ways police are taking action to secure the trust of their communities. Here are just a few.
A Call for Transparency
Calls for “TRUST programs” have been initiated whereby civilian community leaders and everyday citizens participate in the selection process of new officers. The transparency of the process allows community members to interact and see potential law enforcement officer candidates up close and personal. This is said to empower community members by including them in the process of determining who they are willing to place their trust in when it comes to keeping adults and children safe.
Some police departments are also initiating programs for community members to view public demonstrations of new crime fighting equipment and crime fighting practices, such as what happens during a routine traffic stop or even a traffic stop whereby a violent confrontation ensues.
Receptiveness and Open-mindedness
Police can’t possibly serve their community to the best of their ability unless they understand its perceptions. In this manner, law enforcement should be open-minded and receptive to listening to community members’ points of view. This kind of open communication is easily accomplished via quarterly, bi-annual, or annual community gatherings or “listening sessions.” The listening sessions can occur at a community centre, virtually, or both.
Community Unity
Police believe that endorsing positive non-enforcement interaction requires restructuring and reviewing law enforcement performance evaluations. Since most agencies utilise a different system of officer evaluation, non-enforcement evaluation often gets swept under the rug.
The remedy for this is to encourage and embrace concepts of community unity via performance reviews so that all police are well aware of what’s expected of them when fighting crime and interacting with the community.
Evaluation criteria can monitor and encourage positive non-law enforcement interaction by engaging in the following:
- Active participation in community-based projects, outreach programs, after-school events, and other activities to enhance and unify community relations. Weekend fishing outings and fish fries, anyone?
- Regular interaction with local businesses and stores through non-enforcement interaction. In other words, there’s nothing wrong with stopping by a local business and asking how things are going and if the owners need anything.
Recognition of Service
According to Police 1, when it’s appropriate, police officers should try to check up on citizens and crime victims to see how they are doing and if there’s anything more that can be done for them. Community members should also be encouraged to provide feedback on how the local police are performing. Community meetings, surveys, and more can be an invaluable way for law enforcement to establish new professional standards.
Police need to hear from communities on how they perceive their overall performance. In the same way, you might see a “How’s my driving?” bumper sticker on the back of a business vehicle, law enforcement might ask, “How’s my policing?”
Last, but not least, celebrating police employees and citizens is said to be an important motivator. All people appreciate public acknowledgement for doing good things in the community. This is why it’s a good idea to establish quarterly employee recognition awards for the efforts taken by police staff that have resulted in a noticeable positive impact on the community, especially its children. Because one day, some of those kids will grow up to be young adults who have one thing and one thing only in mind. That is, to serve and protect their community by becoming a respected police officer.
*This is a collaborative post
