Future of Policing

Scott A. Cunningham is a retired Chief of Police with 38 years of on the job experience and holds a PhD in Adult Education. He teaches agencies, officers, and communities around the country, has taught in a university setting, and has served on numerous community, governmental, and professional boards, committees, and commissions.

• IntroductionPART I: Global Policing ConceptsChapter 1: Role and History of PolicingBrief discussion of history of policing worldwidePeelian principles of policingRelevant recommendationsChapter 2: Re-Defining the Tasks for Which the Police are ResponsibleWhat tasks should police handleMental health issuesHomelessnessOptions for shifting tasks to othersRelevant recommendationsChapter 3: Role and Responsibility of the Federal GovernmentActions Federal Government should takeCoordination between Federal and State GovernmentsSetting nationwide standards & expectationsRelevant recommendationsChapter 4: Core Foundational BeliefsIdentification of critical beliefs to provide guidance and act as foundation for all actions, policies, and programsKey principles to establish appropriate cultureRelevant recommendationsChapter 5: Agency ActionsMajor actions all agencies should takeAccreditationPresident’s Task Force on 21st Century PolicingRelevant recommendationsChapter 6: Community Oriented and Problem Solving PolicingEstablishing Community Oriented Policing & problem Solving Policing as primary methods of delivering police servicesBuilding community relationships & interactionRelevant RecommendationsPART II: AdministrationChapter 7: LeadershipCharacteristics, qualities, & actions of the ChiefSetting performance expectations & focus of agencyRelevant recommendationsChapter 8: PersonnelPersonnel issues critical to service deliveryRecruiting efforts focused on desired characteristicsBackground processesHiring standardsTesting methods (fitness, psychological, medical, etc.)Relevant recommendationsChapter 9: TrainingIncrease training, especially recruit trainingFederal & state minimum requirements for consistencyRecruit trainingIn-service trainingPromotional trainingSpecialized trainingGeneral training processesRelevant recommendationsChapter 10: DisciplineNeed for & value of disciplinary processesGeneral & specific disciplinary aspectsImplementation of disciplinarySetting agency expectationsDisciplinary info to state certification board & publicRelevant recommendationsChapter 11: Complaints and InvestigationsNeed for & value of internal investigations functionInforming the complainant & public of outcomes & statsGeneral issues regarding complaintsRelevant recommendationsChapter 12 Officer Wellness and HealthBenefits of wellness focusNeed for an Early Warning SystemMandatory fitness programRelevant recommendationsPART III: OperationsChapter 13: Use of ForceCritical issues such as: using only minimum needed,reporting all uses of force, supervisor response,uses of discipline and training, etc.Investigating uses of force, internally & externallyDe-escalationRelevant recommendationsChapter 14: Peaceful, Compliant ProtestsRight to protest & protecting rights of citizensAppropriate police attire, equipment, & tacticsRecording of protests & police actionsCoordination with organizersRelevant recommendationsChapter 15: Non-Compliant Protests, Civil Disorders, Rioting and LootingUse of force reviewAppropriate police attire, equipment, & tacticsRecording of events & police activitiesGeneral & specific actions for these eventsProviding direction & safe dispersalRelevant recommendationsChapter 16: PursuitsNeed for policy, procedures, training, & supervisionDangers associated with pursuitsTacticsDocumentation & review of pursuitsRelevant recommendationsPART IV: EquipmentChapter 17: Military Surplus and Specialty Vehicles1033 military surplus programApplicable issues, perceptions, benefitsRelevant recommendationsChapter 18: Helicopters, Airplanes, and Unmanned Aerial VehiclesIssues, benefits, concernsPolicy guided use & restrictionsPublic involvementTraining & maintenanceRelevant recommendationsChapter 19: CamerasIssues, benefits, concernsLegal concerns & different lawsUse guidelines, requirements & disciplinePublic involvement & viewingDifferent typesUnderstanding limitationsRelevant recommendationsChapter 20: UniformsUnderstanding impact of uniform choicesAppropriateness for event, activityOfficer identificationInappropriate/unauthorized attachmentsRelevant recommendationsPART V: WeaponsChapter 21: FirearmsTypes used by policeTraining including accuracy, decision-making, legal issuesDe-escalationRendering medical attentionDocumentation & investigation of useRelevant recommendationsChapter 22: Less Than Lethal WeaponsTypes used by policeAppropriate useTraining including effectiveness, proper use, legal issues,decision-makingDe-escalationRendering medical aidDocumentation & investigation of useRelevant recommendationsPART VI: Role of OthersChapter 23: Elected and Appointed Officials Role regarding policing & community safetyGetting factsUnderstanding policing issuesKeeping police out of political realmRelevant recommendationsChapter 24: UnionsRole regarding members, profession, & communityParticipation in improvement/enhancement effortsIssues regarding political involvementRelevant recommendationsChapter 25: MediaRole of media in democratic societyAccuracy in reporting police related issuesMedia-police coordination & cooperationMedia involvement in active situationsRelevant recommendationsChapter 26: CitizensRole of citizens in community safety & policingNeed for & benefit of compliance with laws & directionsRights of citizens regarding police, etc.Citizen participation in policing overallRelevant recommendationsPART VII: ConclusionsAbbreviationsList of RecommendationsReferencesRecommended resources

This is a must-read book for anyone involved in policing. The topics covered provide truly valuable insight into what the present and future holds for policing. Having worked with Chief Cunningham I can attest to the fact that he lives by the concepts and ideas covered in the book, and this made a tremendous impact on our Police Department.