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Finalist, 2000 James Q. Wilson Award for
Excellence in Community Policing
Under community policing or CPOP (Community Problem Oriented Policing)
as it is known at the Ventura Police Department, the responsibility
for crime control no longer rests solely with the police, but is
shared with the community. Officers are empowered to identify and
develop solutions to community problems using an array of community
and government resources. We expect officers to be proactive in
identifying community problems, to know their neighborhoods and
community leaders, and to organize and conduct problem-solving meetings
with their beat constituents, government agencies, and private resources.
The Ventura Police Department uses the Scanning, Analysis, Response,
Assessment (SARA) problem-solving model, and has a formal system
to assign, approve, and track all CPOP projects. Whenever a problem
is brought to an officer's attention, whether by citizen complaint
or supervisory assignment, it is recorded on a CPOP form, a strategy
is formulated, resources are assigned, a deadline is imposed, and
responsibility is delegated. The beat officer is usually the key
player in the problem solving process and is expected to meet with
and involve the stakeholders in achieving a solution. The storefront
corporals coordinate the projects for all shifts, provide oversight
and help avoid duplication of effort.
Ventura Police Department has also implemented geographical/team
policing program that uses a 3/12 work schedule. Each officer works
12.5 hours per day, three days a week. Every fourth week, each officer
is assigned a 10-hour training or special assignment day. To further
capitalize on their experience and knowledge, officers are assigned
to the same geographical beat, with the same supervisor, for a minimum
of one year.
Since its inception, CPOP has accomplished the following:
- Established four neighborhood police storefronts each staffed
by one officer, a corporal, a police services officer, and volunteers.
- Recruited and enlisted over 400 volunteers to staff the storefronts.
- Supported the establishment of five community councils that
have taken an active role in shaping the future of their communities
through local input.
- Established working partnerships with a wide variety of community
groups and individuals, including schools, businesses, social
and civic organizations, community councils, and other City departments.
For additional information email:
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