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

In 1995, the Santa Rosa Police Department implemented Community Policing which required a major reorganization and reevaluation of the department's internal and external relationships.

Institutionalization - Changes in training content and procedures assisted police managers in providing a smooth and effective transition to Community Policing. On-going training in Community Policing has been adopted in three areas: academy training, field officer training, and on-going in-service training. These changes in training are part of other internal changes, which include recruitment, selection, evaluation, and promotion.

Problem Solving - Teams consisting of chaplains, investigation representatives, crime prevention personnel, psychologists, and zone officers provide debriefings following critical incidents/homicides. Several committees have been established: a Downtown Partnership; a multi-cultural advisory board; and a task force comprised of City representatives from various Departments. These groups address the concerns and issues of crime-ridden neighborhoods.

Partnership with the Community - The department's collaboration with the community includes zone meetings, the creation of the Volunteers-In-Police, a Ride-Along Program, an Open House at the Public Safety Building, and the development of a Neighborhood Oriented Policing Community Advisory Board. Additionally, department representatives participate in public hearings, City Council meetings, and numerous community gatherings.

Partnership with Public and Private Organizations/Agencies - There is a high level of agency collaboration with other public and private organizations/agencies to address and resolve public safety and disorder issues.

Results - Through Community Policing, the Santa Rosa Police Department has built broad-based community support among civic officials, business owners, community leaders, taxpayers and voters, other government agencies, non-profit groups and average citizens.

For additional information:

Email: tcombs@ci.santa-rosa.ca.us
Agency website: Santa Rosa Police Department