Setting Goals for Change in the LAPD

Mission, Vision and Goals

The mission of the LAPD is to protect and serve the Los Angeles community. Its vision is to be both a trustworthy partner to the community and the best possible department it can be in service of the community. Its goal is to do this by way of community policing, community outreach, and by including all stakeholders in the development of policies that impact the community.

Specific goal times are for the LAPD to have initiated, planned, executed, and evaluated its strategic plan within 18 months from start to finish. The process for determining goal success will include: setting goals, determining indicators of success, measuring progress, and adjusting goals. The first stage, setting goals, is the most important. This is because goals that are not well-defined are difficult to measure and are more likely to be abandoned before they are achieved. The second stage, determining indicators of success, helps to clarify what constitutes success and failure. This is important in order to avoid putting too much or too little pressure on oneself. The third stage, measuring progress, is essential in order to gauge whether or not one is on track to reach their goals. Finally, the fourth stage, adjusting goals, allows for flexibility and ensures that the goal remains realistic and achievable. By following these steps, it is possible to increase the likelihood of achieving any goal.