NCJ Number
114216
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Explicitly stated values set forth the ultimate purposes of an organization and guide the organization and the behavior of its employees.
Abstract
The developing emphasis on community problemsolving policing has generated much discussion of police values. While traditional professional crimefighting policing focuses on a technical orientation to the police function, community policing reflects a set of values that includes a concern with the quality of police service delivery, the relationship between police and the community, and the relationship between agency management and employees. Unlike the traditional perspective, which emphasizes maintenance of internal organizational controls, community policing emphasizes service output, the quality of results, and the impact of police services on the quality of life and the maintenance of democratic values. The community-oriented police department recognizes both the law and the community as the source of its authority and makes the highest commitment to collaborative problemsolving in identifying and dealing with neighborhood problems. Explicitly stated values, training, and audit reviews can help ensure that such values are actually implemented. 4 notes.