Four Fundamental Principles to Enhance Police Performance and Community Safety

Abstract

Reviewing the preceding 14 chapters from both researchers and law enforcement personnel, the editors identify four cross-cutting and fundamental principles that must be met to create law enforcement agencies and members that have the capacity to deliver high-performance policing within a framework of community safety, trust, and equity. The four identified principles are as follows: 1) police training should embrace an evidence-based philosophy, 2) police departments should utilize technology effectively and judiciously, 3) police training should emphasize justice and community relations, and 4) police leadership should embrace a culture of accountability. Each of these principles is discussed and explored.