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Community Policing Article

November 11, 2007

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Tulsa, Okla. chief describes community policing philosophy

By Chief Ron Palmer

TULSA, Okla. — For the last two decades the Tulsa Police Department has been on the forefront of the community policing philosophy. As chief of police, I encourage the concepts of partnering with members of the community to reduce crime. This begins with an officer in their basic academy and is encouraged at every division within the department.

Before I discuss specific details of the department's efforts, it is important to understand exactly what community policing is. The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services defines community policing as:

"Community policing focuses on crime and social disorder through the delivery of police services that includes aspects of traditional law enforcement, as well as prevention, problem-solving, community engagement, and partnerships. The community policing model balances reactive responses to calls for service with proactive problem-solving centered on the causes of crime and disorder. Community policing requires police and citizens to join together as partners in the course of both identifying and effectively addressing these issues."

I prefer that definition as it encompasses various aspects of community policing. Community policing is not just a special program or one unit within the department. It is a combination of traditional police work, prevention programs and community partnerships. The Tulsa Police Department Mission Statement states: "The Tulsa Police Department will apply all knowledge, skills and available resources by working in partnership with our community to provide quality service, protect life and property, prevent crime and resolve problems so people can live without fear in a safe environment."

I am proud to represent an agency that embraces those philosophies. This police department continues to be involved in a wide variety of community policing activities. In the last year, the Tulsa Police Department has participated in 739 community events. These range from neighborhood meetings and school presentations to events such as the Tulsa State Fair.

More than 40,000 citizens have seen our presentations in the last year and those presentations continue throughout the city each week. Anyone can schedule a presentation and our Web site is the easiest way to do that. Simply go to our Public Education section and submit the request: www.tulsapolice.org/education/publiceducation.html .

While you visit our Web site, we have included several interactive sections that give the citizens important input and information about the Tulsa Police Department. We periodically conduct online surveys that yield thousands of comments and feedback from citizens. Many of these comments have already been acted on and will no doubt improve the efficiency of the department. In addition, citizens can read about the current events of the department at the official Tulsa Police Blog which is located at www.tpdblog.com . Citizens can not only submit their comments on the blog, but they can send a direct e-mail to me at TPDChief@cityoftulsa.org Our most recent effort to relay information to the community is our official Podcast. Citizens can listen to real stories from the officers working their communities and hear about new and innovative programs being offered by the Tulsa Police Department by going to www.tpdpodcast.com .

The Tulsa Police Department has dedicated a full-time officer to coordinate all public education events and Sgt. Stephanie Jackson has done a phenomenal job. Not only has she helped start Student Crimestoppers at all 31 Tulsa Public Schools but she facilitates the Department's involvement in a wide variety of community programs and events. From charity basketball games to safety fairs, and child seat checks, the department has worked very hard to not only provide two-way communication with the community but also provide outlets to educate them about crime and safety.

As I stated, community policing is much more than a program. The heart of the concept lies in the hearts of our officers and citizens. In that regard, we should all be proud of what the future holds. I have personally seen officers mowing the lawn and cleaning a dilapidated residence in an effort to keep the criminal element away. I have witnessed officers pray with parents in parking lots as they discuss how they can help their children. I have seen officers give their own money away to those who need it and purchase presents for a family that had everything taken the day before Christmas.

The Tulsa Police Department is made up of men and women who truly care about their community. I have no doubt that the citizens of Tulsa care just as much about this great city. With those factors present and a continued effort by both, we will continue to thrive within the community policing model.

Ron Palmer is chief of the Tulsa Police Department.

Copyright 2007 Tulsa World

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