This evidence brief examines the state of the art in our understanding of how to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and communities; it also tackles some common misconceptions about community policing and relationship-building and, crucially, recommends immediate actions that cities can take given the ongoing and residual effects of COVID-19. Despite the complexity of the challenges facing them, a number of cities are innovating in the midst of the pandemic in ways that may indeed forge healthier relationships between law enforcement organizations and communities in the longer term.
This brief suggests four cornerstones upon which law enforcement, supported by city leaders, should build their efforts to foster healthier relationships with communities:
- Proceed fairly
- Narrow the focus of law enforcement
- Engage with community partners
- Take part in healing