Insights from Darrel Stephens

Building Stronger Police-Community Partnerships: Insights from Darrel Stephens

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

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

Introduction:

In this episode of The CopDoc Podcast, I had a conversation with Darrel Stephens, a distinguished leader, and innovator in the field of policing. With a wealth of experience as a former police chief, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), and involvement in various research projects, Stephens shares his insights and reflections on police leadership, community engagement, and the challenges faced by the profession.

Rebuilding Policing: A Journey of Innovation and Leadership

As the conversation unfolds, Stephens reflects on his unconventional career path, which led him from being a police officer in Kansas City to holding chief positions in different cities, including Largo, Florida, and Lawrence, Kansas. Stephens acknowledges the risks and rewards of pursuing diverse job opportunities to have a greater impact on the profession. He emphasizes the transformative power of research, particularly during his time as a fellow at the National Institute of Justice, where he gained valuable insights that shaped his approach to improving policing.

The Evolution of Policing and Community Engagement

The discussion then turns to the evolution of policing and community engagement. Stephens highlights the importance of community input, the need for active listening, and the significance of addressing issues beyond crime statistics. He underlines the community's concerns, such as abandoned properties, code violations, and traffic enforcement, as critical areas that require police attention and responsiveness.

Navigating Challenges and Rebuilding Trust

Both Darrel and I have concerns about leaders in policing remaining silent during times of societal change and challenges. They discuss how some agencies lost touch with their communities after initially building strong partnerships. Stephens points out that the aftermath of incidents like the Michael Brown case requires agencies to rebuild trust and foster relationships anew. He emphasizes the frustration he feels when leaders fail to prioritize community concerns and stresses the importance of listening to community members to provide effective and responsive policing.

The Impact of Political Shifts and Priorities

The conversation delves into the impact of political shifts and changing priorities on policing. The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks is highlighted as a turning point, with community policing initiatives taking a back seat to terrorism prevention efforts. Stephens emphasizes the need for community-oriented policing to address not only crime but also to gather valuable intelligence on potential threats. He stresses that building strong relationships with community members is essential for effective law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts.

Problem-Oriented Policing and Community Engagement

Stephens firmly believes in problem-oriented policing, which focuses on identifying the root causes of issues and developing long-lasting solutions. By adopting a problem-solving perspective, police officers can engage with stakeholders and community members affected by the problems they aim to solve. Instead of relying solely on enforcement, Stephens suggests that collaboration and understanding the perspectives of various stakeholders lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

Impact of Defunding on Police Departments

Addressing the topic of defunding the police, Stephens notes that only a few large cities have experienced significant financial cuts to their police departments. The majority of departments have faced budget challenges due to the economic impact of events like the COVID-19 pandemic, where decreased sales tax revenues directly affect police funding. With police departments comprising a substantial portion of general revenue, budget cuts often result in freezing or leaving positions unfilled. Stephens emphasizes that these decisions are primarily driven by financial constraints and the need to balance budgets rather than intentional defunding efforts.

Research and Action Research in Policing

Stephens acknowledges the slow pace at which academic research findings are translated into actionable outcomes in law enforcement. He stresses the importance of action research, which involves embedding researchers within police departments to tackle real-world problems collaboratively. By bridging the gap between academia and policing, researchers can produce policy-relevant findings that are accessible and beneficial to police executives. Stephens suggests that enhancing research practices and facilitating timely dissemination of results can lead to more informed decision-making and improve the implementation of evidence-based policies.

Internal Procedural Justice

Highlighting the significance of internal procedural justice, Stephens draws attention to the treatment of officers within police departments. Stressors arising from internal sources can significantly impact officers' well-being and job satisfaction. Stephens emphasizes the need for fairness, accountability, and behavior change in the discipline process. He criticizes the current state of discipline within many police agencies, where a punitive focus prevails over efforts to encourage positive behavioral change. By promoting internal procedural justice, police departments can foster a supportive and trusting environment that enhances officer morale and performance.

Conclusion

Darrel Stephens advocates for problem-oriented policing, community engagement, and internal procedural justice as essential components of effective law enforcement. By prioritizing collaborative problem-solving, police departments can build stronger relationships with the communities they serve. Stephens also highlights the need for improved research practices that produce timely and accessible findings to inform policing strategies. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of fair and accountable internal disciplinary procedures to foster a positive work environment for officers. Through these efforts, police executives can address the challenges of contemporary policing and work towards restoring trust and building safer communities.

As the conversation draws to a close, it becomes clear that fostering strong police-community partnerships is crucial to achieving safe and thriving communities. Stephens' insights shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and the importance of adaptability and continuous engagement with the community. By actively listening to community concerns, prioritizing relationships, and collaborating with other agencies, police departments can build trust, address community needs, and work towards a safer future. The conversation serves as a reminder that true progress in policing requires a commitment to partnership and a willingness to learn from the past.

#DarrelStephens #TheCopDocPodcast #PoliceLeadership #SteveMorreale #PolicingInnovation #CommunityInput #ProblemOrientedPolicing #CommunityOrientedPolicing #DefundingThePolice #ActionResearch #InternalProceduralJustice #EvidenceBasedPolicies #PoliceCommunityPartnerships

Reference

Transcript from an interview between Steve Morreale and Darrel Stephens, episode #37, August 20, 2021, www.copdoc.podcast.com

Please listen to?#TheCopDocPodcast?and share if you find value from the

interviews. Find episodes of The CopDoc Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,

Google podcasts, or at www.copdocpodcast.com

or at the link below: https://thecopdocpodcast.buzzsprout.com