Policing does not happen in a vacuum. The mood, viewpoints, and stresses of society impact how policing occurs and how it is perceived.
Starting in June and July 2020, the nation saw weeks of protests, civil disturbances, and riots that were specifically directed against the police. This most recent round of public unrest was sparked by the senseless, needless, and improper death of George Floyd. Having seen similar deaths of black males while involved with police officers, the nation had had enough and demands for something to be done, were far reaching and involved more than just the black community or a few protestors. An all-encompassing variety of people either joined the protests or supported them. People of all demographic backgrounds, economic levels, and professions resoundingly condemned the actions of the officers in the Floyd incident, even police officers and police leaders.
Policing in America needs to change.
Scott Cunningham offers advice on a wide variety of policing aspects, including but not limited to, leadership, training, equipment and weapons, governments roles and responsibilities, citizen and community participation, investigation procedure, police culture and attitudes, the list goes on. Looking at policing from multiple angles, he provides implementable recommendations for up and down the chain of command that, individually and collectively, could enhance policing and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Introduction
PART I: Global Policing Concepts
Chapter 1: Role and History of Policing
Brief discussion of history of policing worldwide
Peelian principles of policing
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 2: Re-Defining the Tasks for Which the Police are Responsible
What tasks should police handle
Mental health issues
Homelessness
Options for shifting tasks to others
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 3: Role and Responsibility of the Federal Government
Actions Federal Government should take
Coordination between Federal and State Governments
Setting nationwide standards& expectations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 4: Core Foundational Beliefs
Identification of critical beliefs to provide guidance and act as foundation for all actions, policies, and programs
Key principles to establish appropriate culture
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 5: Agency Actions
Major actions all agencies should take
Accreditation
Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 6: Community Oriented and Problem Solving Policing
Establishing Community Oriented Policing& problem Solving Policing as primary methods of delivering police services
Building community relationships& interaction
Relevant Recommendations
PART II: Administration
Chapter 7: Leadership
Characteristics, qualities,& actions of the Chief
Setting performance expectations& focus of agency
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 8: Personnel
Personnel issues critical to service delivery
Recruiting efforts focused on desired characteristics
Background processes
Hiring standards
Testing methods (fitness, psychological, medical, etc.)
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 9: Training
Increase training, especially recruit training
Federal& state minimum requirements for consistency
Recruit training
In-service training
Promotional training
Specialized training
General training processes
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 10: Discipline
Need for& value of disciplinary processes
General& specific disciplinary aspects
Implementation of disciplinary
Setting agency expectations
Disciplinary info to state certification board& public
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 11: Complaints and Investigations
Need for& value of internal investigations function
Informing the complainant& public of outcomes& stats
General issues regarding complaints
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 12 Officer Wellness and Health
Benefits of wellness focus
Need for an Early Warning System
Mandatory fitness program
Relevant recommendations
PART III: Operations
Chapter 13: Use of Force
Critical issues such as: using only minimum needed,
reporting all uses of force, supervisor response,
uses of discipline and training, etc.
Investigating uses of force, internally& externally
De-escalation
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 14: Peaceful, Compliant Protests
Right to protest& protecting rights of citizens
Appropriate police attire, equipment,& tactics
Recording of protests& police actions
Coordination with organizers
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 15: Non-Compliant Protests, Civil Disorders, Rioting and Looting
Use of force review
Appropriate police attire, equipment,& tactics
Recording of events& police activities
General& specific actions for these events
Providing direction& safe dispersal
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 16: Pursuits
Need for policy, procedures, training,& supervision
Dangers associated with pursuits
Tactics
Documentation& review of pursuits
Relevant recommendations
PART IV: Equipment
Chapter 17: Military Surplus and Specialty Vehicles
1033 military surplus program
Applicable issues, perceptions, benefits
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 18: Helicopters, Airplanes, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Issues, benefits, concerns
Policy guided use& restrictions
Public involvement
Training& maintenance
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 19: Cameras
Issues, benefits, concerns
Legal concerns& different laws
Use guidelines, requirements& discipline
Public involvement& viewing
Different types
Understanding limitations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 20: Uniforms
Understanding impact of uniform choices
Appropriateness for event, activity
Officer identification
Inappropriate/unauthorized attachments
Relevant recommendations
PART V: Weapons
Chapter 21: Firearms
Types used by police
Training including accuracy, decision-making, legal issues
De-escalation
Rendering medical attention
Documentation& investigation of use
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 22: Less Than Lethal Weapons
Types used by police
Appropriate use
Training including effectiveness, proper use, legal issues,
decision-making
De-escalation
Rendering medical aid
Documentation& investigation of use
Relevant recommendations
PART VI: Role of Others
Chapter 23: Elected and Appointed Officials
Role regarding policing& community safety
Getting facts
Understanding policing issues
Keeping police out of political realm
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 24: Unions
Role regarding members, profession,& community
Participation in improvement/enhancement efforts
Issues regarding political involvement
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 25: Media
Role of media in democratic society
Accuracy in reporting police related issues
Media-police coordination& cooperation
Media involvement in active situations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 26: Citizens
Role of citizens in community safety& policing
Need for& benefit of compliance with laws& directions
Rights of citizens regarding police, etc.
Citizen participation in policing overall
Relevant recommendations
PART VII: Conclusions
Abbreviations
List of Recommendations
References
Recommended resources
