Finalist, 1999 James Q. Wilson Award for
Excellence in Community Policing

Community Oriented Policing, as practiced by the Arroyo Grande Police Department, is a value-driven policing philosophy that, at its core, embraces a partnership between our community and the Police Department. Arroyo Grande's Community Oriented Policing is not a written policy or program, but a philosophy based upon what we prefer to call Value Based Policing.

In 1989, the Police Department conducted a complete analysis of its operations and culture. In doing so, the organization formally identified its value system, and compared these values to those of the community. This process involved every member of the Police Department, and lasted approximately seven months. As a result of this reevaluation, the Arroyo Grande Police department developed and adopted: new Mission Statement and Organizational Values, a formal organizational philosophy, long term Departmental Goals, a formal set of principles of leadership, and a Department slogan. Of particular importance was the adoption of the long term operating goals. These goals, along with the Mission Statement and Organizational Values, serve as the foundation of the Police Department's operation.

Since the initiation of the Strategic Management Program in 1989 and the development of the new directive system and related programs in 1990, the Arroyo Grande Police Department has developed more than 24 community based programs. For many of these programs the Police Department has formed long term partnerships within the community. A key factor to the Department's operations is its flexibility and emphasis on problem solving. The principles involved in problem oriented policing are integrated into normal operations. The agency is able to quickly and easily adopt short term strategies and programs to deal with immediate needs and issues in the community. These limited term efforts are often the result of a member identified issue brought forth through the Employee Participation Program.

For additional information:

Phone: 805.473.5100
Fax: 805.473.2198