NCJ Number
150545
Date Published
1993
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the elements of the Austin Police Department's (Texas) community policing plan, which is designed to develop cooperative relations between police and neighborhoods, such that citizens assume a role in creating self-reliant neighborhoods.
Abstract
Achieving self-reliant neighborhoods means building the capacity for citizens to deal with problems that erode the quality of life in their community. It entails self- actualization of the neighborhood to identify and prioritize problems, assess resources, and conceive joint strategies to reduce crime and fear of crime. Community policing is the means of reaching this goal. Much has already been accomplished in the transition to community policing in Austin, but much remains to be done. Thus far, most of the efforts have focused on building partnerships with neighborhoods. This report is a blueprint of the future for the Austin Police Department. It provides the broad framework necessary to begin detailed action plans to accomplish change. The transformation will occur in three stages that mirror the goals of the City of Austin: focus on customer service, invest in the workforce, and live within our means. One goal is to determine the difference between what citizens want and what police can provide. A second goal is to enrich the work experience for personnel, and the third goal is to optimize resources through the investment in technology and long-range planning for unresolved budget issues.