The overlap between public health and law enforcement: sharing tools and data to foster healthier communities

Abstract

Law enforcement and public health agencies have much in common. Both seek to improve their communities' health and safety. Both analyze data to identify problems and measure results. Both share an interest in eradicating certain social ills, such as violence. And law enforcement has increasingly begun to adopt strategies long associated with public health, such as collaboration and community engagement. Recognizing a common interest in innovation, the US Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), The California Endowment, and the Center for Court Innovation have started bringing together law enforcement and public health officials to share ideas. The initiative began with an executive session in March 2011 to examine how public health principles, practices, and resources can support law enforcement, including crime prevention.1 Participants made a number of suggestions to promote collaboration and identified several programs that have the potential to serve as models. In providing a summary of the March discussion, this article also includes an overview of the public health approach, a description of shared challenges, and ways in which both fields can learn from each other's strengths.