THE KEY ELEMENTS OF PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING

The Reno, Nevada Police Department instituted POP several years ago. During
this period they have identified several key elements of a successful POP program.
These elements are:

1. Focusing on "Problems" as the Basic Unit of Police Work

A problem is a basic unit of police work rather than a crime, a case, a call, or
an incident. A problem is a group or pattern of crimes, cases, calls, or
incidents.

2. Focusing on What the Citizens Perceive as a Problem

A problem is something that concerns or causes harm to citizens, not just

the police. Things that concern only police officers are important, but they
are not problems in this sense of the term.

3. Focusing on Resolving Problems

Addressing problems means more than quick fixes; it means dealing with
conditions that create problems. Instead of continually running from call to
call and putting a temporary quick fix on the problem, the officer can get job
satisfaction from analyzing the problem and solving it.

4. Analysis Before Response

Police officers must routinely and systematically investigate problems before

trying to solve them, just as they routinely and systematically investigate
crimes before making an arrest. Individual officers, and the department as a
whole, must develop routines and systems for investigating problems.

In the Montgomery County Alabama Police Problem Oriented Policing program

they have identified several points that should be focused on. They are:

1. Complexity of the Analysis Should Match the Complexity of the Problem

Although the investigation of problems must be thorough, it doesn't have to

be complicated. This principle is as true for problem investigation as it is for
criminal investigation.

2. Determining the "Root" Cause of the Problem

Problems must be described precisely and accurately and broken down into
their basic parts. Problems often aren't what they first appear to be.

3. Involving the "Stakeholder" in the Procedure"

Problems must be understood in terms of the various interests at stake.
Individuals and groups of-people are affected in different ways by a problem
and frequently have different ideas about what should be done about it.
4. The Need to Analyze Our Current Responses to the Problem

The way the problem is currently being handled must be understood and the
limits of effectiveness must be openly acknowledged in order to come up
with a better response.

5. "Brainstorm" Possible Solutions

Initially, any and all responses to a problem should be considered so as not

to cut short potentially effective responses. Suggested responses should
follow from what is learned during the problem-solving process. These
responses should not be limited to, nor rule out, the use of arrest.

6. Anticipate Problems Before They Occur

The police must be pro-active and try to solve problems before they occur
rather than just react to their harmful consequences. This requires the
Department to leave behind the old “reactive” method of thought process
and to plan ahead for what ever problems that they may perceive as
cropping up. The Montgomery County Police Problem Oriented Policing
empowers its employees and allows they to form a strong police-community
partnership.

7. Accountability

The police department must increase police officers' and detectives'

freedom to make or participate in important decisions. At the same time,
officers must be accountable for their decisions.

8. Effectiveness is the Ultimate Goal

The effectiveness of new responses must be evaluated so that these results

can be shared with other police officers and so the department can
systematically learn what does and does not work.