Community policing offers part of answer for improved relations

As a college student planning a career in law enforcement, I have taken a keen interest in the current public debate surrounding the relations between police departments and urban communities. The lion’s share of police officers are hardworking, law-abiding public servants who are often underappreciated and criticized for the actions of a few bad persons. Such criticisms and occasional mistakes are often amplified due to social media.

Part of the answer is community policing. A number of exciting and effective efforts are happening in departments throughout South Florida. Here are a few examples:

■ Chief Larry Rickard, head of Lynn University’s Campus Safety, maintains that community policing has been a key to both keeping the campus and community safe, and in informing the public about such successes. Community policing works with business owners, neighborhoods and residents — all of whom function as the eyes and ears of their communities. By building relationships with these stakeholders, community policing encourages them to report suspicious activity. This helps the police do their jobs, but it is important that officers stay connected with, and engaged in their communities.

■ Some campus police departments hold events such as “Take Back the Night,” which promotes awareness of sexual assault, and community fairs that bring people together to meet police officers. Because social media often portrays officers in a negative way, it is important that departments use social media, and for officers to be cautious and sensitive to situations.

■ Capt. Matthew Duggan, of the Boca Raton Police Department, emphasizes that his department has a special community policing unit that exists to build relationships with citizens. Such efforts are effective when officers are assigned to certain areas. By getting to know the residents, they foster relationships with homeowners associations and informal leaders of neighborhoods. To work with these citizens, Boca Raton police attend public events, visit schools and engage citizens through social media.

With social media driving public perceptions, it is vitally important that we all support community policing, and encourage our elected officials and police departments to commit themselves to the practice.