By: Megan Crider
When
looking up case studies for my thesis (the design of a police station in my
hometown of Marion, IL – I am also focusing on community outreach), I found
some interesting examples. Not only did
I find some great precedence with police station design, I also found a couple
of unique examples of community programs that directly involve the interaction
between citizens and the police force. I
will briefly describe my findings below.
New
Orleans, Louisiana is divided into eight police districts. The eighth district, which includes the
French Quarter, Central Business District, and Bourbon Street[1], also
includes a citizens’ organization, called COPS – Citizens’ Organization for
Police Support. To show appreciation for
the police force, a group of citizens formed this non-profit group in 2002,
along with the 8th District Police, that “establish[ed] support and
mutual understanding between the officers and the community.” Their mission since has been “to support and
improve the quality of life for the 8th District Officers, which in
turn enhances the security and safety of all 8th District citizens.”[2]
The
organization helps to provide needed essential items and equipment to the 8th
District that is not supplied by the City of New Orleans to any police
district, including helmets, scooters, supplies, computers, printers, station
renovations, furniture, air conditioners, and other items. In order to supply the district with these
items, COPS accepts citizen donations and holds fundraisers, including selling
different types of NOPD (New Orleans Police Department) and COPS merchandise.
Additionally,
the COPS participate with the 8th District Police Officers in
Community Anti-Crime Walks. These events
provide opportunities for the citizens and police officers to meet and interact
with one another and to reinforce the message that crime fighting and violence
prevention is a joint effort between the citizens and police. During this event, Crimestoppers information
and pamphlets are handed out to help inform the public.[3]
The City
of New Orleans also has eight Police Community Advisory Boards (PCABs), one for
each district, that consist of representatives from the community of the given
district. The purpose is to engage in a
“collaborative problem-solving process that supports both the community and the
police department’s desire to enhance public safety.” This is an “effort to reduce crime and to
enhance the quality of life for all citizens through positive and open
communication.”[4] The PCAB do not make any decisions regarding
the Police Department’s finances, policies, or practices. Instead, this provides citizens with a
platform to directly engage with District Commanders and other executives with
the goal of understanding and informing the community about NOPD practices and
policies. The PCAB gives the citizens a
voice within the community, as they can recommend, discuss, and suggest public
issues and priorities with the NOPD. The PCAB assists NOPD in “establishing the
highest standards for police accountability and therefore, increase the
public’s trust.”[5]
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