NCJ Number
207677
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 71 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 20-25
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
September 2004
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how small-town law enforcement agencies can maintain a good and strong relationship with the public.
Abstract
Small-town police agencies are confronted with many disadvantages due to shrinking residential populations, decreasing tax revenues, budget restraints, and economic downturns in the agricultural industry. The impact on small-town policing can include the loss of experienced officers to metropolitan and suburban departments, lower wages, and fewer benefits. However, citizens in a small-town know the department’s employees, as well as the agency which encourages support for the agency. Small-town police agencies can sometimes overlook some of the advantages and resources available to them. This article addresses the ability for small agencies to maintain good relations with the public through continuous, ongoing marketing efforts. The article discusses the use of the news media and making the agency readily available to the news media which can result in making the community more knowledgeable and supportive of the police agency. The police agency can play a significant role in community economic development. Having an accessible and approachable police department can become a strong selling point in attracting economic assets and greater population growth, as well as tax revenues. Other avenues in marketing are briefly presented and discussed. Marketing efforts are paramount to maintaining the positive vital connection between agency and community.