CJ 205 Final Project
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Feb 20, 2024
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Running head: COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
1
Community Action Plan
Christina Ridge
Southern New Hampshire University
CJ-205 Policing in the United States
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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Abstract
In January, 2023 RAND research group conducted their annual survey of the unhoused population in Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic
Survey (LA LEADS) Project) (Ward, 2023b). Their key findings noted that the growth in eleven months had risen 18%. Nearly 80% of the more than 400 unsheltered people surveyed said they had been homeless continuously for more than a year, and 57% said they had been homeless continuously for more than three years. About 50% of the sample said they had a chronic physical or mental health condition (Ward, 2023a). This plan will show how police can work with local government to create policies that address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing and access to mental health services.
Keywords
: Skid Row, police, homelessness, mental health, government, policies, California, Los Angeles, public trust, public opinion, policing, community
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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Community Action Plan
Police legitimacy is an important factor in public trust, especially when it comes to the skid row homeless population and the adjacent business district. When police officers are seen as
legitimate and trustworthy, the public is more likely to trust them and cooperate with them (Gilbert et al., 2015). Yet, equally important when it comes to the skid row homeless population, as they are often seen as a vulnerable population that needs protection from police officers and city officials. Police legitimacy and public trust can help the Skid Row homeless population by providing a sense of safety and security. This can be achieved by engaging with the homeless population in a respectful and non-judgmental manner, providing resources to help them access services, and creating a safe space for them to access those services. Additionally, police can work with local organizations to provide outreach services to the homeless population, such as providing food, clothing, and medical care. With the proper training law enforcement officers will understand the mentality of the unhoused, safely and effectively operate in the complex drug
use situations (Aldersona & Perrone, 2019). And aid in the security of recovery efforts.
Community Plan
Police Legitimacy & Police Trust
What issues of public trust arise?
o
Public trust of police officers is the level of confidence and respect that the public has in law enforcement. It is based on the belief that police officers are honest,
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COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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ethical, and professional in their duties. Public trust is essential for effective policing and community safety.
o
The issues that has come about within this scenario is a negative account of public
trust from the business owner. The business owner was expecting an arrest in hopes that it would remedy the issue of having others in the area. Yet, the positive
trust that possibly was born was with the unhoused person. Simply by offering the
man additional resources that were necessary to detox and take care of some needed hygiene.
What can be done to address issues of public trust?
o
One way to address issues of public trust is to increase transparency and accountability (
21 Conditions for Building Trust Between Police and the Community
, 2015). This can be done by providing more information about decision-making processes, making sure that decisions are made in an open and fair manner, and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for
their actions. Additionally, it is important to listen to the public and take their concerns seriously. Not only with the public business owners, but with the un-
housed individuals. This can be done by engaging in meaningful dialogue with the public, responding to their questions and concerns, and acting when necessary.
Finally, it is important to ensure that the public has access to accurate information
and resources so that they can make informed decisions.
Where is discretion being used?
o
Police discretion was used by the police officer to decide in the field based on his own judgment and experience during this situation (
Discretion, Functionalism
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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and Conflict | Office of Justice Programs
, n.d.). The officer used discretion of whether or not to issue a warning or citation, make an arrest, or use force. Police discretion is an important part of law enforcement, as it allows officers to respond
to situations in a way that is best suited to the particular circumstances. And in this circumstance, the office used discretion that was not only beneficial for the business owner. Yet, also aided in the detox from alcohol for the un-housed person.
Where could discretion be used more judiciously?
o
Discretion could be used more judiciously with the homeless population when providing services or during criminal proceedings (
Judicial Discretion
, n.d.). For example, when providing housing assistance, it is important to consider the individual's unique circumstances and needs, rather than making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes. Additionally, when providing medical care, it is important to ensure that the patient's privacy is respected and that their personal information is kept confidential. Simply because the person appears to be un-
housed, or un-kept does not mean this is the life they are wanting or intending to live. Understanding the issues and reasons are a complexity that simply can not be
solved overnight. Influencing public opinion with Procedural Justice.
How can procedural justice create a more positive public opinion about the LAPD’s work
with the issues surrounding homelessness?
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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o
Procedural justice can create a more positive public opinion about the LAPD's work with the issues surrounding homelessness by ensuring that all interactions between officers and homeless individuals are conducted in a fair and respectful manner. This includes providing homeless individuals with clear explanations of their rights and the reasons for any enforcement actions taken against them. Additionally, officers should be trained to use de-escalation techniques when interacting with homeless individuals, and should be held accountable for any violations of procedural justice. Finally, the LAPD should strive to create a culture of respect and understanding for homeless individuals, and should work to
build relationships with local homeless service providers to ensure.
How can police transparency aid the LAPD in this situation?
o
Police transparency can help the LAPD in this situation by providing the business owner with information about the department's policies and procedures for responding to calls about homeless people. This can help the business owner understand why the police may not be able to arrest the homeless person, and it can also help the police explain their decision to the business owner. Additionally,
police transparency can help build trust between the police and the community, which can help prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Address police accountability through transparency to the public. o
Police accountability through transparency to the public can be achieved by implementing measures such as:
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1. Making police records and data publicly available, including information on use of force, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
2. Establishing independent civilian review boards to investigate complaints against police officers.
3. Requiring police officers to contact a member of a homeless task force to assist during the call. 4. Establishing clear policies and procedures for police officers to follow when interacting with the public.
5. Requiring police departments to regularly report data on their activities to the public.
Address how specific techniques, such as technology usage, may aid the LAPD in this situation.
o
Technology usage can be a great aid to the LAPD when dealing with the homeless
population. For example, the LAPD can use facial recognition software to identify
homeless individuals and track their movements. This technology can help the LAPD better understand the homeless population and provide more targeted services. Additionally, the LAPD can use mobile applications to provide homeless
individuals with access to resources such as shelters, food banks, and job opportunities. This technology can help the LAPD better connect homeless individuals with the resources they need to get back on their feet. Finally, the LAPD can use predictive analytics to identify areas where homeless individuals are likely to congregate and deploy resources.
Concepts and Principles.
What are the principles of community policing?
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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o
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, community policing is defined as law enforcement agencies creating and developing community partnerships with the members of the communities in which they operate. Both law enforcement and the citizens work together to proactively identify the problems within the community and formulate solutions. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies transform the way that they systematically operate. This can be their structure, support systems, network among others within the organization (
Community Policing Defined
, 2014).
Why is community policing a valuable approach for today’s problems?
o
By collaborating with the citizens in the communities, law enforcement offices are building a rapport and can eventually gain the trust of the citizens. The last few years have been brutal for agencies across the entire nation. From the George Floyd murder (
The Murder of George Floyd
, 2023), the hate crime killing of Ahmaud Arbery (Baker, 2022), or the indictment against LGBTQ Matthew Alan Lehigh (
Idaho Man Indicted for Federal Hate Crime Against LGBTQ Residents Of
, 2023). Law enforcement, has no better time than now to understand why it is critical for their efforts to build the relationships within their communities to earn back the trust that is so easily taken. o
Many children are growing up with a fear of law enforcement, either lived or learned behaviors. With community policing these efforts can change the outlook on law enforcement for generations to come.
How can community policing be applied to the issues surrounding homelessness in Los Angeles?
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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o
The role of a social worker can be used in terms of education for law enforcement
in the LAPD area regarding the un-housed population (
USC Partners With LAPD for Community Policing Training
, 2018). With the proper training, officers will gain an understanding of how to communicate with the citizens of skid row more effectively. Understanding the signs of mental health concerns, addiction concerns
as well as behavioral issues that may arise. Working side by side with local organizations and aiding to eliminate their problems, or at minimum work towards eliminating them would build the potential for relationships to form. LAPD Professional Practice.
What specific tactics has the LAPD taken in the past?
o
The Chief of Police of LAPD in 2016 ordered the most inspiring option for the officers, to treat the homeless with “compassion and empathy” (Mather, 2016). Simply because the individual is living on the streets does not afford anyone the right to treat them in an undignified manner. The LAPD, during 2016-2017 attempted to “beef up” their patrol and citation issues. In 2017 there were 7,854 citations issued for the homeless having their belongings on the streets. Or for sleeping outdoors in the public spaces. However, LAPD created what they called the “Hope Teams” where different members would come in “sweeping” the streets to clean up the areas. While, they claimed to offer assistance with homeless
shelters and very few would entertain the idea. Fear of losing what they called
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their homes. This did not stop the “Hope Team” from calling in the city sweepers, trash trucks and heavy equipment to dispose of various blocks (Klemack, 2018).
What strategy of policing do these tactics show?
o
The tactics that were used by the “Hope Team” were more of focused deterrence. Focused deterrence tactics target those who are most likely to commit crimes again, strategically targeting them with interventions and social service resources in an effort to maximize law enforcement efforts
(ICJIA | Illinois Criminal Justice
Information Authority, n.d.). However, not all of those who were living on the streets during the sweeps conducted by the Hope Team were willing to accept the treatment or housing offers that were made.
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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References
21 Conditions for Building Trust between Police and the Community
. (2015, December 30). icma.org. https://icma.org/articles/article/21-conditions-building-trust-between-police-
and-community
Aldersona, M., & Perrone, D. (2019). Procedural Justice and Police Encounters with Homeless Injecting Drug Users
. Retrieved April 23, 2023, from https://ccjls.scholasticahq.com/article/7736-procedural-justice-and-police-encounters-
with-homeless-injecting-drug-users/attachment/19881.pdf
Baker, L. (2022, February 22). A jury finds Ahmaud Arbery’s 3 killers guilty of federal hate crimes. NPR
. https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1082225480/ahmaud-arbery-hate-crimes
Community Policing Defined
. (2014). U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-p157-pub.pdf
Discretion, Functionalism and Conflict | Office of Justice Programs
. (n.d.). https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/discretion-functionalism-and-conflict
Gilbert, D., Wakeling, S., & Crandall, V. (2015). PROCEDURAL JUSTICE AND POLICE LEGITIMACY
. Retrieved April 23, 2023, from https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/bwc/pdfs/procedural-justice-and-police-
legitimacy-paper-cpsc-feb-2015.pdf
Idaho Man Indicted for Federal Hate Crime Against LGBTQ Residents of
. (2023, January 13). https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/idaho-man-indicted-federal-hate-crime-against-lgbtq-
residents-boise
judicial discretion
. (n.d.). LII / Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/judicial_discretion
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
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Klemack, J. C. (2018, October 15). ‘HOPE’ Team Dismantles Homeless Encampments, Seeks Out Services for LA’s Homeless Population. NBC Los Angeles
. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/local/hope-team-seeks-out-services-for-las-homeless/
157001/
Mather, K. (2016, June 22). LAPD orders officers to show “compassion and empathy” to homeless people - Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times
. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lapd-homeless-policy-20160621-snap-
story.html
The murder of George Floyd
. (2023, April 17). MPR News. https://www.mprnews.org/crime-
law-and-justice/killing-of-george-floyd
USC partners with LAPD for community policing training
. (2018, April 12). USC News. https://news.usc.edu/trojan-family/usc-partners-with-lapd-for-community-policing-
training/
Ward, J. M. (2023a, January 26). Recent Trends Among the Unsheltered in Three Los Angeles Neighborhoods: An Annual Report from the Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic Survey (LA LEADS) Project
. RAND. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1890-2.html
Ward, J. M. (2023b, January 26). Recent Trends Among the Unsheltered in Three Los Angeles Neighborhoods: An Annual Report from the Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic Survey (LA LEADS) Project
. RAND. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1890-2.html
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