Common Goals and Shared Frustration: An Evaluation of a Police and Community Steering Committee

• In Event: Building Trust: Strategies for Strengthening the Police-Community Relationship

Abstract

Objective: In January 2020, a mid-sized police department organized a steering committee to address policing concerns. The steering committee's goals included enhancing communication and fostering relationships between the community and law enforcement. This paper evaluates the work of a steering committee composed of residents and police officers.

Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to determine the steering committee's successes and challenges. Researchers completed seven qualitative interviews with steering committee members. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results: Data reveal mutual committee goals and a department consistently requesting feedback and ideas to improve community relations. Although both community members and officers felt the other group was well-intentioned, there were perceptions that community members and law enforcement had differing approaches to address policing issues. Both groups also noted concerns about an under-resourced police department and the inability to market community outreach activities effectively. Together, these concerns shaped a shared frustration and may have led to declining attendance and the demise of the steering committee.

Conclusion/Implications: Steering committee members recommended a model of shared decision-making and a rotating community leadership structure to organize meetings. We echo these recommendations for similar types of committees striving to improve community and police relationships.

Authors

• Edwardo Portillos, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

• Katy Patterson, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

• Anna Kosloski, University of Colorado Colorado Springs