This course examines proactive community-oriented policing and problem solving (COPPS) in the context of changes in the police department and communities. Students examine the evolution of Community Policing, the relationship between law enforcement and the community, policing philosophy, implementation of COPPS, and methods to evaluate COPPS initiatives. Students use Community Policing philosophy to bring it into a law enforcement agency not currently using a Community Policing strategy.
Any minister, lay leader, or missionally-minded believer engaging persons within the law enforcement community as well as active community members inevitably ask themselves questions related to law enforcement practices. Those within the criminal justice profession seeking to live out a missional calling through their work benefit from a structured and guided engagement about Community Policing. With law enforcement no longer being the sole guardians of law and order, all community members become allies in the goal of safety and quality in neighborhoods. Due to the current state, members of the community benefit from a better understanding of and knowledge of Community Policing.
Community Policing has far-reaching consequences. The outlook on crime prevention and control, the emphasis on making community members active participants in the process of problem-solving, and law enforcement’s role in Community Policing require changes within law enforcement organizations. Reinvigorating communities is essential in creating vital neighborhoods and breaking down barriers of mistrust so that meaningful partnerships between community members and law enforcement is achieved. This application of community has long been explored in the Christian faith. It would benefit the mission of God for missionally-minded individuals with training in criminal justice as well as community members to become an active member of a Community Policing program.
Community Policing involves all members of society. This course helps develop biblically-educated criminal justice providers and community members.
If criminal justice practitioners desire to live out their missional calling in the criminal justice field, they desire to guide and shape their colleagues and institutions to develop relationships with community members. Many troubled communities need faith-based organizations to assist in building relationships with law enforcement. Spiritual, social, and support services tend to play a significant role in the lives of members of a community.
The criminal justice field is a unique ministry context, and a course on Community Policing helps practitioners and community members as a whole apply broader biblical principles to the communities they work and live in.
A large part of Community Policing tends to be the issues of culture and equity. Criminal justice values can change among differing cultures. Community Policing is applicable in this area.
Community Policing provides a practical application to the community and law enforcement working together to achieve safety and quality within neighborhoods.
Community Policing is best learned through application. Learners bring knowledge learned in the course and apply that knowledge to a law enforcement agency that does not have a Community Policing program. This is done by completing a plan to institute a Community Policing program in the organizations.
