A Process Evaluation of Interagency Collaboration in Baltimore

• In Event: Can Police Engage Residents and City Agencies in Problem-Solving? A Case Study in Baltimore.

Abstract

This paper will examine the design of the Neighborhood Policing Plans (NPP) initiative and how the program was put into practice. This includes the process of recruiting and engaging both police officers and community partners in the program. Central to the success of NPP is the involvement of community partners, including city agencies and local residents in the problem-solving process. The approach emphasizes creating space for collaboration, strengthening partnerships with city agencies, and empowering communities with greater autonomy in managing their public safety. By encouraging positive relationships between community members and city agencies, the NPP offers a fresh perspective on policing, bridging gaps between police and the community, and fostering mutual understanding and trust among community stakeholders.

This paper engages in a process evaluation of the interagency collaboration during this pilot program, including observational data from team meetings and focus groups with pilot program partners. The findings provide insight into the successes and challenges of collaborations between police and community members for implementing the pilot program. These findings have practical implications for how city agencies, including law enforcement, can collaborate with community-based outreach organizations and residents to tailor public safety approaches.

Author

• Jazmine Talley, Baltimore Police Department