Boca Raton Police Services Department Problem Oriented Policing (POP) PDF

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 45.300 PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING (POP) Revised: October 1, 2007 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this directive is to establish guidelines for the Boca Raton Police Services Department to use community-based problem solving. II. P...

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 45.300 PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING (POP) Revised: October 1, 2007 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this directive is to establish guidelines for the Boca Raton Police Services Department to use community-based problem solving. II. POLICY: The Department supports Problem Oriented Policing (POP) because problem solving is most successful when the Department involves the community and other public entities in the process. III. DEFINITIONS: Problem: A group of incidents occurring in the community that are similar in one or more ways and are of concern to the Department and the public. Problem Oriented Policing: A problem solving strategy focused on the underlying conditions that are generating incidents or calls for police service. IV. PROCEDURE: A. PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS: 1. Scanning or identifying problems or potential problems through data collection and contact with the public and other entities. 2. Analyzing information about victims or potential victims, offenders or potential offenders, the physical environment and social conditions that impact the quality of life at a particular location. 3. Implementing a response or strategy based on analysis and consultation with all affected parties launched to remedy or prevent problems. 4. Responses must be legal, moral and ethical. 5. Department actions must be consistent with the Department’s mission, vision, values, and rules. Effective: April 3, 2000 Revised: October 1, 2007 Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Directive No. 45.300 Page 1 of 3 B. PROBLEM SOLVING PLAN: 1. The assigned officer or his/her supervisor will develop an action plan for each problem that includes the following information and a case number: a. A list of personnel, including all persons inside and outside the Department, who will contribute to the plan b. A clear and concise description of the problem c. A statement describing the recommended strategies 2. The address, assigned person and description of the problem will be posted on the Department’s Intranet Website under the Field Services tab. C. ACTION PLAN SUPPLEMENT: 1. The POP Action Plan Supplement will detail the final assessment of the project and include an outline of the effectiveness of the actions taken. D. POP CASE MANAGEMENT: 1. Upon receipt of the POP report, the reviewing supervisor will enter the project information into the Department’s report writing software. 2. The sergeant of the officer submitting the case will be responsible for managing the project. 3. All information that is generated as a result of the case will be placed in a POP case file including reports, field interviews, photographs, memorandums, citations, etc. 4. The district commander will be responsible for the problem solving projects in his/her assigned area. E. WEEKLY BRIEFING REPORT: 1. The Crime Analysis Unit will produce an ongoing report that will summarize cumulative activity for the month. 2. The report will include information related to all arrests and all Part I crimes that have occurred during the specified period. F. DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE ROUNDTABLE (DPR) MEETINGS: 1. DPR meetings are formal opportunities to evaluate the Department’s response to problems in the community. Effective: April 3, 2000 Revised: October 1, 2007 Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Directive No. 45.300 Page 2 of 3 2. The Chief of Police and the senior Command Staff will set an agenda and conduct the meeting. 3. District commanders and other commanders will give a presentation to highlight events of interest and detail responses to problems in the districts. 4. The commanders may include their staff to illustrate issues or approaches. 5. The executive Command Staff will make inquiries into issues related to the commander’s responsibilities. Inquiries will not be demeaning or embarrassing but commanders will be accountable for matters under their command. 6. DPR meetings will be held monthly and a clerical staff member will record the proceedings. 7. G. The Crime Analysis Unit will be responsible for preparing digital video graphics. REPORTS: 1. Each division commander/designee participating in the community involvement function or his/her designee will prepare a quarterly report to the Chief of Police that includes the following elements: a. A description of current concerns voiced by the community. b. A description of potential problems that have a bearing on law enforcement activities within the community. c. Recommended actions that address the identified concerns and problems d. Actions taken or progress made toward addressing the previously identified concerns and problems 2. Quarterly reports shall be disseminated to concerned command level personnel. Approved: Daniel C. Alexander Chief of Police Effective: April 3, 2000 Revised: October 1, 2007 Date: Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Directive No. 45.300 Page 3 of 3