NOP represents a philosophy of policing designed to make the beat officer an integral part of the city's neighborhoods. NOP evolved from within the department through the use of a technique called the Executive Session, which involves a series of dialogues within the department. As characterized by members of Executive Sessions, NOP represents a philosophy rather than a program that aims for a responsive policing style dependent on the quality of daily interactions between the police and the public. Active participation of neighborhood residents is crucial to the successful implementation of the NOP philosophy. The Houston Police Department recognizes that NOP is not a new concept in policing. While it requires a gradual shift in emphasis from one operational role to another, it also requires a change in the role of upper management, together with efforts that transcend program boundaries. Note.