Partner
Establishing collaborative relationships between police and community partners to build lasting community trust.
Partnerships between police and their community partners are essential to building and sustaining community trust. By collaborating with local leaders and community members, police agencies and officers can better understand the needs, concerns, and priorities of the communities they serve—and develop a sense of shared responsibility and accountability. These alliances can foster a transparent and collaborative problem-solving environment, which can contribute to improved community relations and safer neighborhoods.
Benefits of Partnering with the Community
Partnerships promote transparency and accountability. When community organizations and leaders work closely with police agencies, police are more likely to be held accountable for their actions. This accountability can demonstrate a commitment to fair and just policing, thereby helping to prevent and address any issues related to misconduct.
Partnerships allow police and the community to identify and address specific issues and concerns together. This problem-solving approach can lead to more effective solutions and policies that are responsive to community needs. Collaboration leads to stronger alliances between police departments and communities with shared goals of public safety and community well-being.
Partnerships help police become more culturally competent and embrace cultural humility. Officers can learn about the cultural norms, values, past traumas, and practices of different communities that exist within their larger jurisdiction, which can lead to better interactions and increase mutual understanding.
Partnerships can facilitate conflict resolution. In situations where tensions arise, trusted community partners can help mediate and bridge communication gaps between community members and police. During times of crisis or emergencies, having an established relationship between the police and trusted community leaders and members can make it easier to coordinate with and provide support to affected residents.
