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What Is the Future of Public Input on Nonenforcement Police Services? A Comparison of the Public View With The Police View

NCJ Number
110419
Author(s)
E Callander
Date Published
1987
Length
77 pages
Annotation
Beginning in 1985, this study assessed the value of direct citizen input into the future of nonenforcement police services (all functions not requiring a sworn officer's powers).
Abstract
A futures methodology examined literature; forecasted trends and events; and developed scenarios, policy alternatives, and strategic and transition plans. The views on future services of a group of police employees and a group of citizens were compared. A nominal group technique was used by the police group to forecast trends and events in nonenforcement services. Graphs and tables were prepared to show the estimated probabilities of the events occurring. A cross-impact analysis was used to create future scenarios. From the scenarios, policies were formulated for future service development. Strategic, action, implementation, and transition plans were created. The citizens group went through a similar process in early 1987. Although the groups disagreed on some priorities, both groups had similar expectations for police nonenforcement services. The study supports a new type of citizen board to provide input on the training and development of future police officers and the services they provide the public. Appended study instruments and data, 2 tables, 4 figures, 26 notes. (Author summary modified)