The Future of Policing
200 Recommendations to Enhance Policing and Community Safety
Published on 19. March 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
318 pages
978-1-5381-6306-1 (ISBN)
Description
Policing does not happen in a vacuum. The mood, viewpoints, and stresses of society impact how policing occurs and how it is perceived.
Starting in June and July 2020, the nation saw weeks of protests, civil disturbances, and riots that were specifically directed against the police. This most recent round of public unrest was sparked by the senseless, needless, and improper death of George Floyd. Having seen similar deaths of black males while involved with police officers, the nation had had enough and demands for something to be done, were far reaching and involved more than just the black community or a few protestors. An all-encompassing variety of people either joined the protests or supported them. People of all demographic backgrounds, economic levels, and professions resoundingly condemned the actions of the officers in the Floyd incident, even police officers and police leaders.
Policing in America needs to change.
Scott Cunningham offers advice on a wide variety of policing aspects, including but not limited to, leadership, training, equipment and weapons, government's roles and responsibilities, citizen and community participation, investigation procedure, police culture and attitudes, the list goes on. Looking at policing from multiple angles, he provides implementable recommendations for up and down the chain of command that, individually and collectively, could enhance policing and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Starting in June and July 2020, the nation saw weeks of protests, civil disturbances, and riots that were specifically directed against the police. This most recent round of public unrest was sparked by the senseless, needless, and improper death of George Floyd. Having seen similar deaths of black males while involved with police officers, the nation had had enough and demands for something to be done, were far reaching and involved more than just the black community or a few protestors. An all-encompassing variety of people either joined the protests or supported them. People of all demographic backgrounds, economic levels, and professions resoundingly condemned the actions of the officers in the Floyd incident, even police officers and police leaders.
Policing in America needs to change.
Scott Cunningham offers advice on a wide variety of policing aspects, including but not limited to, leadership, training, equipment and weapons, government's roles and responsibilities, citizen and community participation, investigation procedure, police culture and attitudes, the list goes on. Looking at policing from multiple angles, he provides implementable recommendations for up and down the chain of command that, individually and collectively, could enhance policing and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Reviews / Votes
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. -- Curtis Swisher, Town Manager, Town of Kernersville Chief Cunningham provides excellent insight into the profession of policing but more importantly, provides solid, meaningful recommendations on where the profession needs to go from here. -- Steven R. Casstevens, Chief of Police, Buffalo Grove, IL and Past President International Association of Chiefs of Police (2019-2020) Chief Cunningham has captured the issues surrounding the police profession, as well as the essence of the global situation occurring in 2020 and 2021. His book provides a practical, reasonable perspective on the proper role of the police, as well as that of the citizen. He explains the history of the police service, stemming from the Peelian principles that are still applicable today, while identifying the issues that have been laid at the feet of the police to address, largely because of the inability of other societal systems to provide meaningful and lasting solutions.Chief Cunningham provides solid recommendations in all aspects of police leadership and ethics to guide the police executive, with a strong focus on policy development, determining the agency's operational mission, and participating in national initiatives to improve the profession such as the National Use of Force Database and the National Consensus Policy on Use of Force. He offers a discussion of leading practices in professional police leadership and management, such as the Pillars of 21st Century Policing, officer safety, wellness and health, training, de-escalation, communication and interpersonal skills, emerging issues and implementation of technology such as drones and body-worn cameras.
His recommendations provide a blueprint for effective management of a law enforcement agency, along with steps for the police executive to deal with current events like responding to and providing professional and balanced public safety services during peaceful protests.
This book is comprehensive, and contains topics worthy of discussion to adapt and apply to each agency and community. While some may disagree with the author in particular topics, it should spark an open and honest dialog to better understand opposing viewpoints and lead to the development of relationships that will enhance openness, transparency and dialog.
If I were to write a book on the future of policing, this would be it! It should be required reading for all new officers, supervisors, commanders and police leaders. -- John Letteney, Chief of Police, City of Thomasville, GA
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
518 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5381-6306-1 (9781538163061)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Scott A. Cunningham
The Future of Policing
200 Recommendations to Enhance Policing and Community Safety
E-Book
03/2022
1st Edition
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
€30.99
Available for download
Scott A. Cunningham
The Future of Policing
200 Recommendations to Enhance Policing and Community Safety
E-Book
03/2022
1st Edition
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
€30.99
Available for download
Person
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.
Content
Introduction
PART I: Global Policing Concepts
Chapter 1: Role and History of Policing
Brief discussion of history of policing worldwide
Peelian principles of policing
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 2: Re-Defining the Tasks for Which the Police are Responsible
What tasks should police handle
Mental health issues
Homelessness
Options for shifting tasks to others
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 3: Role and Responsibility of the Federal Government
Actions Federal Government should take
Coordination between Federal and State Governments
Setting nationwide standards & expectations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 4: Core Foundational Beliefs
Identification of critical beliefs to provide guidance and act as foundation for all actions, policies, and programs
Key principles to establish appropriate culture
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 5: Agency Actions
Major actions all agencies should take
Accreditation
President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 6: Community Oriented and Problem Solving Policing
Establishing Community Oriented Policing & problem Solving Policing as primary methods of delivering police services
Building community relationships & interaction
Relevant Recommendations
PART II: Administration
Chapter 7: Leadership
Characteristics, qualities, & actions of the Chief
Setting performance expectations & focus of agency
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 8: Personnel
Personnel issues critical to service delivery
Recruiting efforts focused on desired characteristics
Background processes
Hiring standards
Testing methods (fitness, psychological, medical, etc.)
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 9: Training
Increase training, especially recruit training
Federal & state minimum requirements for consistency
Recruit training
In-service training
Promotional training
Specialized training
General training processes
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 10: Discipline
Need for & value of disciplinary processes
General & specific disciplinary aspects
Implementation of disciplinary
Setting agency expectations
Disciplinary info to state certification board & public
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 11: Complaints and Investigations
Need for & value of internal investigations function
Informing the complainant & public of outcomes & stats
General issues regarding complaints
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 12 Officer Wellness and Health
Benefits of wellness focus
Need for an Early Warning System
Mandatory fitness program
Relevant recommendations
PART III: Operations
Chapter 13: Use of Force
Critical 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 & externally
De-escalation
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 14: Peaceful, Compliant Protests
Right to protest & protecting rights of citizens
Appropriate police attire, equipment, & tactics
Recording of protests & police actions
Coordination with organizers
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 15: Non-Compliant Protests, Civil Disorders, Rioting and Looting
Use of force review
Appropriate police attire, equipment, & tactics
Recording of events & police activities
General & specific actions for these events
Providing direction & safe dispersal
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 16: Pursuits
Need for policy, procedures, training, & supervision
Dangers associated with pursuits
Tactics
Documentation & review of pursuits
Relevant recommendations
PART IV: Equipment
Chapter 17: Military Surplus and Specialty Vehicles
1033 military surplus program
Applicable issues, perceptions, benefits
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 18: Helicopters, Airplanes, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Issues, benefits, concerns
Policy guided use & restrictions
Public involvement
Training & maintenance
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 19: Cameras
Issues, benefits, concerns
Legal concerns & different laws
Use guidelines, requirements & discipline
Public involvement & viewing
Different types
Understanding limitations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 20: Uniforms
Understanding impact of uniform choices
Appropriateness for event, activity
Officer identification
Inappropriate/unauthorized attachments
Relevant recommendations
PART V: Weapons
Chapter 21: Firearms
Types used by police
Training including accuracy, decision-making, legal issues
De-escalation
Rendering medical attention
Documentation & investigation of use
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 22: Less Than Lethal Weapons
Types used by police
Appropriate use
Training including effectiveness, proper use, legal issues,
decision-making
De-escalation
Rendering medical aid
Documentation & investigation of use
Relevant recommendations
PART VI: Role of Others
Chapter 23: Elected and Appointed Officials
Role regarding policing & community safety
Getting facts
Understanding policing issues
Keeping police out of political realm
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 24: Unions
Role regarding members, profession, & community
Participation in improvement/enhancement efforts
Issues regarding political involvement
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 25: Media
Role of media in democratic society
Accuracy in reporting police related issues
Media-police coordination & cooperation
Media involvement in active situations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 26: Citizens
Role of citizens in community safety & policing
Need for & benefit of compliance with laws & directions
Rights of citizens regarding police, etc.
Citizen participation in policing overall
Relevant recommendations
PART VII: Conclusions
Abbreviations
List of Recommendations
References
Recommended resources
PART I: Global Policing Concepts
Chapter 1: Role and History of Policing
Brief discussion of history of policing worldwide
Peelian principles of policing
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 2: Re-Defining the Tasks for Which the Police are Responsible
What tasks should police handle
Mental health issues
Homelessness
Options for shifting tasks to others
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 3: Role and Responsibility of the Federal Government
Actions Federal Government should take
Coordination between Federal and State Governments
Setting nationwide standards & expectations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 4: Core Foundational Beliefs
Identification of critical beliefs to provide guidance and act as foundation for all actions, policies, and programs
Key principles to establish appropriate culture
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 5: Agency Actions
Major actions all agencies should take
Accreditation
President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 6: Community Oriented and Problem Solving Policing
Establishing Community Oriented Policing & problem Solving Policing as primary methods of delivering police services
Building community relationships & interaction
Relevant Recommendations
PART II: Administration
Chapter 7: Leadership
Characteristics, qualities, & actions of the Chief
Setting performance expectations & focus of agency
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 8: Personnel
Personnel issues critical to service delivery
Recruiting efforts focused on desired characteristics
Background processes
Hiring standards
Testing methods (fitness, psychological, medical, etc.)
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 9: Training
Increase training, especially recruit training
Federal & state minimum requirements for consistency
Recruit training
In-service training
Promotional training
Specialized training
General training processes
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 10: Discipline
Need for & value of disciplinary processes
General & specific disciplinary aspects
Implementation of disciplinary
Setting agency expectations
Disciplinary info to state certification board & public
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 11: Complaints and Investigations
Need for & value of internal investigations function
Informing the complainant & public of outcomes & stats
General issues regarding complaints
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 12 Officer Wellness and Health
Benefits of wellness focus
Need for an Early Warning System
Mandatory fitness program
Relevant recommendations
PART III: Operations
Chapter 13: Use of Force
Critical 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 & externally
De-escalation
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 14: Peaceful, Compliant Protests
Right to protest & protecting rights of citizens
Appropriate police attire, equipment, & tactics
Recording of protests & police actions
Coordination with organizers
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 15: Non-Compliant Protests, Civil Disorders, Rioting and Looting
Use of force review
Appropriate police attire, equipment, & tactics
Recording of events & police activities
General & specific actions for these events
Providing direction & safe dispersal
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 16: Pursuits
Need for policy, procedures, training, & supervision
Dangers associated with pursuits
Tactics
Documentation & review of pursuits
Relevant recommendations
PART IV: Equipment
Chapter 17: Military Surplus and Specialty Vehicles
1033 military surplus program
Applicable issues, perceptions, benefits
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 18: Helicopters, Airplanes, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Issues, benefits, concerns
Policy guided use & restrictions
Public involvement
Training & maintenance
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 19: Cameras
Issues, benefits, concerns
Legal concerns & different laws
Use guidelines, requirements & discipline
Public involvement & viewing
Different types
Understanding limitations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 20: Uniforms
Understanding impact of uniform choices
Appropriateness for event, activity
Officer identification
Inappropriate/unauthorized attachments
Relevant recommendations
PART V: Weapons
Chapter 21: Firearms
Types used by police
Training including accuracy, decision-making, legal issues
De-escalation
Rendering medical attention
Documentation & investigation of use
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 22: Less Than Lethal Weapons
Types used by police
Appropriate use
Training including effectiveness, proper use, legal issues,
decision-making
De-escalation
Rendering medical aid
Documentation & investigation of use
Relevant recommendations
PART VI: Role of Others
Chapter 23: Elected and Appointed Officials
Role regarding policing & community safety
Getting facts
Understanding policing issues
Keeping police out of political realm
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 24: Unions
Role regarding members, profession, & community
Participation in improvement/enhancement efforts
Issues regarding political involvement
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 25: Media
Role of media in democratic society
Accuracy in reporting police related issues
Media-police coordination & cooperation
Media involvement in active situations
Relevant recommendations
Chapter 26: Citizens
Role of citizens in community safety & policing
Need for & benefit of compliance with laws & directions
Rights of citizens regarding police, etc.
Citizen participation in policing overall
Relevant recommendations
PART VII: Conclusions
Abbreviations
List of Recommendations
References
Recommended resources