Policing in a Small Town

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer describes what his approach would be, as a chief of police in a small midwestern town, to training the police officers working under him. First, the writer writer explains why it is important for his officers to be trained in community relations and in officer safety. The writer then discusses how officers have to appreciate the need for maintaining a police force and a positive police presence in small towns and must also keep their vehicles in good condition. Next, the writer relates that he would eliminate and discourage rogue cops, as well as discourage any individuals who think they are going to be cowboys. Lastly, the writer explains how he would acknowledge the stresses inherent in working in small town patrols, and how he would reduce them as much as possible.

From the Paper:

"First and foremost, I would have my officers trained in community relations. There is a lot of mistrust on both sides of the law at the street level, between the public and the police enforcement agencies. Fortunately, in this small midwestern town, there is a high level of gentility and more of a family atmosphere than in cities with large amounts of urban sprawl. This takes much of the tensions out of the relationship between the police and the public.
"However, community relations is also important because it is beneficial for the police to establish links with commuity members. While this is a small and relatively peaceful town, there are relatively few crimes, but there are also many criminals or fugitives passing through in and around the area. The way this can be addressed is through effectively communicating with people and making it clear to the community to help police and monitor not only the community but also the surrounding areas. This also supports law enforcement foremost in those areas."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ark. small towns struggling to keep police force. (2007) June 5, 2007: http://www.policeone.com/news_internal.asp?view=1269556
• Oliver, Willard and Meier, Andy. (2008) "The Four Stress Factors Unique to rural Patrol re-visited. March. Retrieved March 20, 2008: http://policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&article_id=450&issue_id=112004
• Ratcliffe, Heather. (2007) "Mo. Small Police forces face big challenges." Retrieved September 18, 2007: http://wcles/1355617/

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