Police and Community Relationship Improvement

1. Contrast conflict-management approaches with traditional police policy.
The main difference between traditional police policy and conflict-management approaches is that the former is reactive, and the latter is proactive (Roufa, 2017). Conflict-management approaches can be incorporated into community policing strategies to de-escalate conflicts before they lead to crises. Within police organizations, conflict management approaches can also help transform the organizational culture to promote personal responsibility, accountability, and transparency. Conflict-management approaches encourage law enforcement personnel to collaborate with community organizations, rather than having an antagonistic or oppositional relationship with those organizations or individuals. Whereas traditional police policy ensures a strict division of labor and organizational hierarchy, a conflict-management approach encourages greater interdependency among law enforcement personnel (Roufa, 2017).
2. Describe crisis negotiations.
Crisis negotiations are “one of law enforcement’s most effective tools,” because when done successfully, can prevent disastrous outcomes and save lives (Thompson, 2014). Typically crisis negotiations are thought of in terms of hostage negotiations because of media hype, but only 4% of crisis negotiations involve a hostage situation. The vast majority of crisis negotiations involve more mundane situations, from domestic disputes to attempted suicides. There are different strategies used during crisis negotiations, and the negotiator or negotiation team needs to be flexible and think quickly, taking into account situational variables such as whether deadly weapons are present.
3. Identify several alternatives to arrest.
Law enforcement personnel have the discretion to use options other than arrest. Low-risk offenders and minor incidences do not necessitate an arrest, and especially when dealing with young people, officers are advised to diffuse the situation rather than to automatically use the power to arrest. To promote public safety and discourage delinquency, officers can issue warnings or civil citations, transport homeless people to shelters or safer areas, or transport drug users to rehabilitation centers. Other alternatives to arrest may be situational, such as providing informal counseling at the time of the incident.
4. Describe the defusement process.
Defusing is an informal process used during critical incidents and traumatic events. To maximize the effectiveness of defusement, officers respond immediately, attending to victims, witnesses, or anyone involved in the crisis. The process of defusement focuses on active listening and offering psychological support in ways most suitable to the individual and the situation. After initially assessing the situation and listening, defusement then proceeds to an informational stage, during which the person is offered specific coping strategies that can range from breathing assistance to relieve stress or shock, and hotlines or resources. Making sure the individual understands the information, the officer would then ensure follow-up service is given.
5. Describe several strategies for developing close communication between the police and the community.

Developing close communication between police and the community can be challenging. Some of the strategies used include partnering with other organizations, actively including the participation of marginalized groups, actively soliciting the help of young people, and developing a strong public relations and communications plan. Technology can also be an effective tool for developing close communication between the police and the community, as social media helps individuals instantly divulge information or offer feedback. Special hotlines and online feedback methods also help.

6. Apply conflict-management strategies to typical situations needing police intervention.
Conflict management strategies can be used to respond effectively to typical situations needing police intervention. For example, an altercation at a local business can be de-escalated by listening to the grievances of both parties and then coming up with creative solutions that encourage open communication. Situations that could be potentially violent also need effective conflict management strategies that include strong and effective communication, avoiding antagonizing the suspect or using force. Communication is the key to conflict management for all situations, but officers also need to ensure physical safety as well.


References

Roufa, T. (2017). The definition of traditional policing. The Balance. Retrieved online: https://www.thebalance.com/traditional-policing-974687
Thompson, J. (2014). Crisis or hostage negotiation? FBI. Retrieved online: https://leb.fbi.gov/2014/march/crisis-or-hostage-negotiation-the-distinction-between-two-important-terms