The Evolution of Problem-Oriented Policing: Addressing Challenges and Embracing Collaborative Solutions: Mike Scott

Stephen A. Morreale, Worcester State University, Host: The CopDoc Podcast

Note: This article is created from an interview between Steve and Brandon Kooi on The CopDoc Podcast.? It has been distilled and synthesized for reading by the author with the assistance of AI, using ChatGPT, a text generator.

Introduction:

In an episode of The CopDoc podcast, I interviewed Mike Scott, Director of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing at Arizona State University. The conversation revolves around the evolution of problem-oriented policing, its current challenges, and the importance of collaboration in finding effective solutions. Scott discusses the funding constraints faced by the center, the role of guidebooks and case studies in informing police practice, and highlights innovative approaches adopted by various police agencies to tackle complex problems.

From Wisconsin to Law School: A Journey of Discovery

Scott's journey began during his undergraduate years at the University of Wisconsin. With a passion for law enforcement, he embarked on a degree program that focused on Behavioral Science and Law. It was during this time that Scott delved deeper into the way police officers perceive the world around them. This curiosity led him to undertake a uniform police internship, providing valuable insights into the reality of police work. Scott's academic pursuits took an exciting turn when he had the opportunity to study under Herman Goldstein, a renowned professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Goldstein's course on the role of police in a free society opened Scott's eyes to the complexities and challenges of policing, and it was at this point that he became captivated by Goldstein's Problem Oriented Approach to Policing.

Combining Passion and Knowledge: Policing and Law School

Scott's enthusiasm for policing and desire to make a difference led him to work as a police officer in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, after graduating. However, driven by the ambition to become a police executive, Scott made the unconventional decision to attend law school. As fate would have it, his time at Harvard Law School coincided with the institution's involvement in community policing through executive sessions organized by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This serendipitous connection allowed Scott to gain exposure to prominent figures in American policing and paved the way for his subsequent role as a legal assistant to the Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, where he played a pivotal role in implementing community policing initiatives.

The Path to Problem-Oriented Policing

Scott's dedication to problem-oriented policing continued to evolve throughout his career. Following his tenure at the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Scott recognized the need for an organized body of research-based knowledge in the field of policing. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues, he co-authored the widely acclaimed Pop Guides—concise publications packed with research and practice-based knowledge. These guides were freely accessible online and addressed specific issues faced by police officers. Scott's efforts led to the formal creation of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, which further propelled the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of problem-oriented approaches across law enforcement agencies.

ASU and Beyond: Continuing the Pursuit of Excellence

Today, Scott serves as a clinical professor at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. His association with ASU traces back to the origins of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, which predated his tenure. Scott's commitment to enhancing policing practices remains unwavering, and he continues to contribute to the field through his teaching, research, and engagement with police agencies across the country. His work at ASU ensures that the legacy of problem-oriented policing and the pursuit of excellence in law enforcement endure for generations to come.

Funding Challenges and Adaptation:

Scott begins by acknowledging the challenge of sustaining the center's activities after the discontinuation of funding from the US Department of Justice in 2012. Despite this setback, the center endeavors to continue writing new guidebooks and updating existing ones whenever resources permit. The Bureau of Justice Assistance has stepped in to fund some new guidebooks, and the university's resources support the continuity of conferences and the award program. Scott emphasizes the significance of the award program in encouraging police practitioners to document and share their problem-oriented policing initiatives, thereby keeping the information fresh and inspiring other agencies to adopt or adapt successful approaches.

Inspiring Innovations:

Morreale prompts Scott to share examples of problem-oriented policing initiatives that caught his attention. Scott mentions the Boston Police Department's project on focused deterrence, which aimed to address gang violence. Collaborating with researchers at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, the initiative leveraged the authority to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate violent offenders, offering them an alternative path to voluntary rehabilitation and a non-criminal life. Scott also mentions the partnership between the Cincinnati Police Department and researchers, which identified and disrupted networks of places contributing to gun violence in the city, leading to improved conditions and greater effectiveness in addressing the problem.

The Continuous Pursuit of Innovation:

Morreale highlights the commitment of police departments and agencies to try new approaches and adapt to evolving challenges. Scott agrees, emphasizing the importance of problem-oriented policing's multidimensional nature. He notes that while traditional crime remains a focus, modern policing also addresses issues like homelessness, cybercrime, and human trafficking. Scott describes the ongoing process of identifying and defining policing problems, which involves maintaining a comprehensive list of approximately 250 discrete problems commonly encountered by police. The guidebooks aim to cover the most common problems while recognizing the need for future work in areas like embezzlement and cybercrime.

Collaboration and Shared Responsibility:

The conversation shifts to the broader perspective of policing's role in addressing societal problems. Scott emphasizes the need for police to shift and share responsibility, recognizing that they alone cannot solve all the problems they encounter. He mentions the growing understanding among police professionals that collaboration with other stakeholders is essential for effective problem-solving. Police serve as an early warning system, identifying emerging issues and convening collaborative efforts to address them. Scott cites examples like the opioid crisis, where police play a crucial role in highlighting the transshipment of precursor chemicals and exerting pressure on other professions, such as medicine and pharmaceuticals, to control the problem.

Conclusion:

The interview with Mike Scott sheds light on the challenges and opportunities associated with problem-oriented policing. Despite funding constraints, the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing continues its mission of producing guidebooks and case studies, supporting conferences, and inspiring innovative approaches through its award program. Scott's insights highlight the evolving nature of policing and the importance of collaboration in tackling complex societal problems. By embracing collaboration and sharing responsibility, police agencies can play a pivotal role in finding comprehensive and effective solutions to the diverse challenges they face.

Reference

Transcript from an interview between Steve Morreale and Mike Scott, episode #96, February 28, 2023, www.copdoc.podcast.com

Link to episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1582894/12105659-tcd-mike-scott-arizona-state-university-ep-96-director-center-for-problem-oriented-policing.mp3?download=true

#Mike Scott #AizonaStateUniversity #ProblemOrientedPolicing #SteveMorreale #TheCopDoPodcast #WorcesterStateUniversity

?

?