Abstract
<p class="abstract">Over the last thirty years Community Oriented Policing (COP) has spawned advancements in creating community partnerships with law enforcement agencies. Agencies that focus on such partnerships have served to reduce crime and resolve conflict. However, community opinions towards law enforcement have become increasingly negative due to recent civil disturbances throughout the United States. Multiculturalism is rapidly expanding within our American communities. The lack of cross-cultural leadership has lent to increased societal conflict. Within law enforcement agencies, annual continued education in the effective interaction and communication with citizens from diverse backgrounds is increasingly necessary. Agencies who form partnerships with educational institutions create opportunities for annual education on cross-cultural leadership. Annual continued education for law enforcement in critical thinking creates opportunities for improved professional self-regulation, decision-making, problem solving and proper analysis of various plausible outcomes. Annual continued education geared towards interpersonal skills creates opportunities for increased communication, enhanced community rapport, and improved potential for de-escalation of hostile events.</p>
Highlights
Community opinions towards law enforcement are changing (Hudson, 2014)
Education geared to teach law enforcement cross-cultural competence is necessary prior to these officers first entry into their communities. Such education may have been of assistance in the recent civil disturbances in Baltimore, Ferguson, New York City, South Carolina and North Charleston
Law enforcement officers should be educated regarding understanding the various cultures within their community so that officers are better prepared to engage with these members and to respond to them in a manner that is situationally appropriate (Vodde, 2009)
Summary
Community opinions towards law enforcement are changing (Hudson, 2014). Law enforcement officers are experiencing greater challenges within their communities as a result of the growth of multiculturalism. Societal changes have increased the need for training for law enforcement in “soft” skill competencies. As the roles of police organizations evolve from the singular role of agencies of law enforcement to include community partners and advocates, law enforcement requires the new skills and educational opportunities to develop these competencies. Such soft skills needed in community policing include interpersonal communications, decision-making skills and problem-solving approaches. Education in critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills will allow officers the ability to de-escalate and improve decision-making by challenging officers to question their assumptions and biases (Safi & Burell, 2007)
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