This year the Jackson Police
Department fully committed to the adoption of community policing as its
global philosophy. This commitment will require a substantial
change in the way policing is conducted. There are three
fundamental components to a community policing philosophy:
- A customer service organization
transformation,
- Multiple community partnerships; and
- Unified, data driven problem solving
During the 1990's the Jackson Police Department
began incorporating all three of these components in circumscribed
situations. Community and resident police officers, acting as
specialized components of the organization, delivered community
policing services in unique districts. The next step was to build
upon these community policing successes.
In January 1999, the Jackson Policing Department
partnered with the Regional Community Policing Institute (RCPI) of
Michigan State University in order to facilitate the extension of
community policing from our present "specialized approach" to
one that permeates the entire organization. We recognize this
organizational transformation requires a long-term commitment from
employees, management, labor, elected officials and the community.
High levels of commitment to community policing were demonstrated during
organizational assessments and meetings with key elected officials.
Our next, and perhaps most important step, was to
clarify organizational values, vision and mission statements. A
series of facilitated conversations involving a cross section of more
than 20 employees focused on articulating new values,
vision and mission statements for the Jackson Police Department.
These are high values. The complete integration of a community
policing philosophy is both long term and complex. We are proud of
the high standards set by our employees and of their commitment to the
community they serve. They realize living these values is
just as important as drafting them. Therein lies the challenge for
the future, incorporating our values into the way we do business - in
every way.
Our employees, their commitments to the community
and to community policing, are our greatest resources. We are
confident that by focusing on the three components of community policing
and institutionalizing our values, we will better serve the community we
are sworn to protect. 216 E. Washington
Avenue 517-788-4100
Police Chief: Ervin Portis |
