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Running head: Public Engagement Policy Case Study

Public Engagement Policy Case Study

Student Raymond Garcia

University of San Diego: Professional & Continuing Education

Community Engagement LEPS-520-01-SP16

Professor Dr. Adolfo Gonzales

March 19, 2016

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Running head: Public Engagement Policy Case Study

There is a strong need that exists for law enforcement agencies to develop a strong

public engagement policy. Recently in the City of Ferguson, Missouri, the Department of

Justice resolved a lawsuit with an agreement to reform the Ferguson Police Department

and Municipal Court, to ensure constitutional policing. The finding, which were released

in a public report, pointed to the lack of public engagement. As a result, the Ferguson

Police Department will agree to make better strives to improve community interactions

and to improve community relations. The steps needed to make these recommendations

successful will take cooperation from stakeholders of the organization in order for

the public to regain trust in its police department. Through proper training of officers

and adequate supervision, these recommendations will have a positive outcome while

furthering engagement efforts in the community.

During the Department of Justice report, several issues were identified as problem areas

that did not promote public engagement within the community of Ferguson and its police

department. One recommendation that was identified was specifically to improve its

community policing and engagement efforts. The department is tasked with creating a

community engagement strategy that requires meaningful engagement between officers and

all segments of the community. Another recommendation that was identified is to

remedy and accomplish Bias-free police and court practices. This recommendation will

be implemented by requiring bias awareness training ensuring that law enforcement officials

recognize and adhere to the principals of cultural diversity and bias free policing.
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Another recommendation that will be implemented is civilian oversight of the Ferguson

Police Department. The organization will be tasked with establishing a Civilian Review

Board. The job of the review board is to make findings and provide recommendations

on disciplinary action for investigations regarding complaints which involve areas in the

use of Force, abuse under the color of authority, discriminatory incidents, and other types

of misconduct. The Civilian Review Board will also address other key functions which

include the review of internal policies and procedures and training protocols. The Civilian

Review Board will also serve on promotion and hiring panels, as well as review complaint

data regarding racial profiling.

The Ferguson Police Department will also be tasked with implementing a School

Resource Officer program. The program will be established so that officers will

develop the necessary skills needed to interact with youth. The program will focus

in diversion of crime and minimizing use of force in schools. Another recommendation

the Ferguson Police Department will have to adhere to, is accountability of officer

supervision. This recommendation identifies that supervision in the field of subordinate

officers is lacking. The recommendation will make it a requirement that officers of

Ferguson Police Department wear body worn cameras and require supervisors to review

camera footage as part of misconduct and use of force allegations.

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Ferguson is a prime example of the lack of public engagement in law enforcement

practices. The need comes in the lack of primary foundation policies regarding,

community policing and engagement, biased free policing, use of force, inadequate

supervision, recruitment, and overall reform. In order to have a positive outcome

implementing recommendations to make such a dramatic change and overhaul of the

department, there should be a change of attitude and perception to supplement the shift

in organizational culture. That will not be an easy task and there will be resistance to

the change by senior officers and maybe some of the leadership involved in the process.

In order to remedy this, I believe that the line supervision has to commit to this

program and be consistent with carrying out these policies and additional training.

In conclusion there are a lot of lessons other organizations can learn from incidents such

as Ferguson. The greatest outcome learned is the need for public engagement and

support from the community. The community is our greatest stakeholder. Without this

support organizations will lack trust from their respective communities that they serve.
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References

Justice Department and City of Ferguson, Missouri, Resolve Lawsuit with Agreement to Reform
Ferguson Police Department and Municipal Court to Ensure Constitutional Policing : DOJ Office of Public
Affairs(March17, 2016). Justice News, Justice Department and City of Ferguson, Missouri, Resolve
Lawsuit with Agreement to Reform Ferguson Police Department and Municipal Court to Ensure
Constitutional Policing. Retrieved from: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-city-
ferguson-missouri-resolve-lawsuit-agreement-reform-ferguson

Final Report of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing; US Department of
Justice(May2015). Final Report of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing: US Department of
Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Retrieved from: WWW.Copsusdoj.gov.