Mindsets Need to Change

Let’s be honest with ourselves. Over the course of time, law-enforcement and society in general have tried many different strategies to curb, deter, and prevent crime problems within respective communities. Some work, some don’t.

That’s the beauty of it, we get to learn from our mistakes and we get to learn from those who have found avenues that work.

However, just because it works for one place doesn’t mean it’s going to work for others. That’s why it is so important for law-enforcement to recognize and understand that there’s no way that they are going to be able to arrest themselves out of crime problems.

At the same time, we don’t necessarily need to reinvent the wheel. There are proven strategies, tactics, and concepts that work. Law-enforcement professionals just needs to change their mindset. Certainly change isn’t always the easiest thing to welcome, especially amongst COPS.

Not only do we have an obligation to instill a more proactive mindset in our new Officers, but law enforcement leaders and seasoned officers need to recognize that if they have areas within their jurisdiction that have been continual issues for years upon years, then what they have been doing is clearly not working.

This is where it’s in point to take a step back and reevaluate. Take a look at the data already available and take the time to analyze it. Understand what that data is telling us and use that information to your advantage. Employing evidence-based policing strategies that are data-informed can, and will, provide law-enforcement with actionable information. Then, employ realistic and doable strategies to address those ongoing problems in their jurisdictions.

It’s just a matter of learning, understanding, adapting, and having the right mindset and attitude to implement proven strategies. Fortunately, there are many individuals with the knowledge and experience ready and willing to help law-enforcement professionals on this journey.