Introduction
Given the climate of modern-day policing, the goal of reforming police agencies should focus on the hiring of the right personnel, continuing ongoing training, and adopting best practices. Click on the Forward arrow to review the following five best practices that can help police improve accountability and transparency (Serrano, 2016):
Community policing
- This increases positive interactions between the police and the community.
- Examples: Foot patrol, community events, and door-to-door conversation
Demilitarization
- This avoids a highly militarized response to civil unrest and appears less like an occupied force.
- Example: Banning certain military equipment, vehicles, and weapons
Civilian complaint boards
- These boards are established with resident members to investigate citizen complaints against the police department.
- Example: A review board with the power to investigate and subpoena police officers
Racial bias training
- Officers are trained and educated on implicit bias, unconscious prejudices, and various stereotypes.
- Example: Training on avoiding bias and prejudice against people of color and other minority groups
Independent prosecutors
- Legal representatives who do not have any connection to the local police are hired to investigate cases.
- Examples: Cases of officer shootings, officer misconduct, or use-of-force incidents
Reference
Serrano, J. (2016, June 3). Five reforms every police department should make. Retrieved from https://ips-dc.org/five-reforms-every-police-department-make/