Policing That Works for Everyone: Our Vision
There is no one list of Best Practices for excellence in policing that will be agreed to by everyone, but in recent years the outlines of a broad consensus have begun to emerge. It is based on the work of many people—community activists, advocacy organizations, innovative police chiefs, researchers and journalists, and the federal Department of Justice. This Vision draws upon that emerging consensus.
Some of these practices are already being implemented in Minnesota by pioneering communities and police departments. We acknowledge and applaud the good work that is already being done, and look forward to the day that just and professional policing becomes a daily reality in all of our communities.
The Foundation Respect for the dignity of every individual The foundation for quality policing is respect for the dignity and human rights of each individual. Individuals do not lose their right to be treated with respect because they have become a suspect, have been stopped or detained, or are being questioned—nor because they wear a police uniform. Policies – Some Examples Evidence, not profiling All traffic and investigational stops have a clearly articulated reason based on evidence, not profiling. Officers are trained to counter the unconscious biases they—like each one of us—carry around in their heads. Transparency Technology such as body-worn cameras are used, supported by policies that aim to maximize transparency while providing appropriate safeguards for citizen privacy. Data on important actions like use of force, traffic stops and the use of firearms, broken out by demographic categories, are available to the public. Accountability Citizens have a significant role in reviewing police behavior. Professional, respectful police work is recognized and rewarded. Performance expectations and accountability measures allow for discipline or removal of unsuitable officers when necessary. Appeals processes do not become de facto barriers to effective discipline. Officers who commit crimes are prosecuted. Hiring for character Officer candidates are hired based on their character, then provided with training as needed; skills can be learned but there are no training programs for character. Community members help identify candidates with the character to become outstanding officers. |
Police-Community Partnership Cultural Competency
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What About Other Aspects of Policing Not Specifically Mentioned Above?
We realize that there are many more specific issues that people are concerned about, including
| • the drug war, • the broad availability of guns, • school resource officers and the school to prison pipeline | • the school-to-prison pipeline • the unique issues of tribal jurisdiction and police systems • immigration enforcement | • officer liability insurance • learning from other countries, • alternatives to policing • and many others. |
While recognizing the importance of these issues, Bridging the Divides’ vision for policing focuses on broad areas around which consensus can be formed most easily, while inviting those with other specific concerns to take advantage of our literature/resource tables to share information about these concerns with attendees.
Literature shared by other groups is subject to the foundational of respect for the dignity of every person, that we will not stereotype or demonize groups of people, will not use inflammatory language, and will not make ad hominem attacks on individuals.
What About Alternative and Opposing Views?
We hope that people with a range of views attend these events because even where there are significant
differences of opinion it is helpful for everyone to understand the viewpoint of those who see things differently.
We are aware that there are important stakeholders in the area of police policy who have significantly different views on a variety of issues. Among these are the leadership and membership of many police federations, both in Minnesota and nationally.
Our conviction is that the kinds of changes we envision will result in safer, less-stressful working conditions for our law enforcement personnel. We are also aware that changes will be more difficult to implement without buy-in from rank and file police officers.
In order to give our speakers time to go into their subjects in detail, the format of the Community Training Series does not involve pro-and-con discussion and debate. An opportunity will therefore be given for organizations with different perspectives to have their own literature available.