FY19 Community Relations Division - AlexandriaVA.Gov CRD - 103018.pdfA written policy will be established using IACP and NIJ model policy to communicate the outline of the program

Community Relations Division – Strategic Plan 2019

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIVISION

2019 STRATEGIC PLAN


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MISSION STATEMENT ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

VISION STATEMENT............................................................................................................................................................. 2

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART ............................................................................................................................................... 3

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT ............................................................................................................................. 4

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD UNIT .................................................................................................................................. 5

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SECTION ......................................................................................................... 7

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ................................................................................................................................................... 12

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM .............................................................................................................................. 13

FAITH-BASED OUTREACH PROGRAM ...................................................................................................................... 14

CRIME PREVENTION UNIT.............................................................................................................................................. 15

MISSION STATEMENT

To actively build positive relationships with the members of our communities and develop partnerships with all the stakeholders of the city of Alexandria.

VISION STATEMENT

That by working together the members of our community will see the members of the Alexandria Police Department as allies in the struggle for a better and safer community for all. That the partnerships that are established with community stakeholders will bring about more economically and socially stable neighborhoods.


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ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Field Operations Bureau

Community Relations Division

School Resource Officer Unit

School Crossing Guard Unit

Community Policing Unit

Volunteer Outreach Program

Youth Engagement Program

Faith-Based Outreach Program

Crime Prevent Unit

Other FOB Divisions not shown here


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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT

Description of unit

The School Resource Officers Unit (SROU) places sworn police officers into the public middle schools, ninth grade center, and high school of the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). School Resource Officers serve as a liaison between the faculty and students of the schools and the police department. They are charged with ensuring order and safety within their designated schools.

FY 2019 GOALS

#1 Create and support a meaningful relationship with ACPS. 1.1 Update ACPS Partnership Agreement to include clear rules of engagement and lives of communication. Action Plan Assignment Target Date 1.1.1 Meet with ACPS representatives to craft an

amenable MOU and ensure proper edits and updates.

CRD Commander

July 20, 2018

1.2 Participate and facilitate meaningful discussions with ACPS staff regarding issues, needs, and responses. 1.2.1 Maintain a cooperative working relationship with

the ACPS staff and ensure continues communication is provided on issues and needs.

CRD Commander/ Supervisors

Ongoing

#2 Ensure effective policing strategies to address crime at ACPS HS and MS sites 2.1 Decrease school-based crime through awareness, prevention education, CPTED, and investigative efforts. Action Plan Assignment Target Date 2.1.1 Ensure SROs conduct awareness and prevention

education programs to students and school staff. Their efforts will be supplemented by presentations by the Crime Prevention Officer and intelligence information from CIS.

SROs Ongoing


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2.2 Utilize department databases and analytical abilities in support of targeted efforts to counter crime and safety issues within the schools. 1.1.1 The SRO supervisor will ensure the SROs are up

to date on any intelligence information in reference to any possible crime or safety school related issue.

Supervisors & SROs

Ongoing

#3 Support youth and community outreach efforts with ACPS students & faculty 3.1 Mentor at-risk youth, especially in the middle school environment Action Plan Assignment Target Date 3.1.1 Have the officers take the initiative to be involved

with mentoring students in the middle schools.

SROs Ongoing

3.2 Community engagement through after-school programs, vocation-education, volunteers, interns, etc 3.2.1 Develop a plan for the officers to engage the

students after-school.

Supervisors September 4, 2018

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Incentivize SRO position (pay, term limits, additional opportunities e.g., starting in Middle Schools)

SRO training and development opportunities SROs all carry CEWs/Tasers

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD UNIT

Description of section

School Crossing Guards (SCGs) are selectively posted at points around each of the City’s 13

public elementary schools to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians crossing streets

as they report to and depart from school each day. These uniformed "Guardian Angels" are

a familiar presence to children and parents and many in the Unit have tenures of service to

the community that literally span generations. The dedicated members of the Crossing

Guard Unit are primarily responsible for the posting of perfect safety records year after

year in Alexandria.


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FY 2018 GOALS

#4 Ensure the safety of the children as they go to and depart from school 4.1 Ensure the School Crossing Guards are trained in the proficiency of their job. Action Plan Assignment Target Date 4.1.1 Develop a standardized training program for the

School Crossing Guards.

Commander & Supervisors

September 4, 2018

4.2 Report all street hazards in the areas of the schools to TE&S for immediate attention 4.2.1 Remind police personnel to report hazards to TE&S

when noticed.

Supervisor June 18, 2018

4.3 Ensure all school crossing posts are staffed every school day 4.3.1 Continue to ensure staff is reporting to the School

Crossing Guard supervisor when they are unable to cover their post. School Crossing Guard supervisor will follow the established protocol to ensure the vacate post are covered by FOB personnel.

Commander & Supervisors

Ongoing

#5 Ensure School Crossing Guard Unit is fully staffed 5.1 Fill all School Crossing Guard vacancies. Increase SCG staffing to add positions for new elementary school. Action Plan Assignment Target Date 5.1.1 Complete the process and work with Personnel to

announce the position.

Commander & Supervisor

July 1, 2018

5.2 Increase the number of staff by adding a second Crossing Guard Supervisor FTE – workload is such that one SCG Supervisor cannot adequately supervise 26 persons who are all working for limited hours at the exact same time. 5.2.1 Work with the Human Relations office to determine

what we need to hire and retain School Crossing Guards.

Commander July 1, 2018


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Challenges:

Crossing guards love their jobs, but often speak of the dangers they face each day, from distracted drivers and inattentive pedestrians to hazardous crosswalk conditions. Crossing guards have stated that parents are some of the worst offenders. Parents that are late and are rushing their children to school are just a crash waiting to happen.

Our goal is to have no child injured or killed while walking or bicycling to or from school.

o This has to be addressed with the development Traffic School Safety Plan.

We also have to address the understaffing of the supervision of the school crossing guards. The School Crossing Guard Unit has been operating with one supervisor for 26 Crossing Guards. This is not very effective and is impossible to properly supervise. This exceeds any span of control model for supervision.

Do a staffing analysis to justify another FTE for a supervisor for the SCGU.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SECTION

Description of Section

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. The Community Oriented Policing Section (COPS) assigns sworn police officers to specific neighborhoods. The COPS Officers actively build positive relationships with the residents of their neighborhood. They have the responsibility of ensuring order and safety within their designated communities.

FY 2018 GOALS

#6 Evaluate & enhance community policing philosophy & development 6.1 Evaluate and implement appropriate recommendations from the IACP Staffing Study. Action Plan Assignment Target Date 6.1.1 COPS Officers will continue to attend community

events and partner with the residents to address quality of life concerns. All sworn officers will be educated and trained in the Community Policing philosophy.

CRD Commander & Supervisors

July 31, 2018


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6.2 Evaluate and implement appropriate recommendations within Pillar 1 of the 21st Century Policing. 6.2.1 COPS Officers will hold meetings within their

community. Police interactions will be transparent, fair and just.


Ongoing

6.2.2 All sworn personnel will be CIT trained. CRD Commander & Supervisors

Ongoing

6.3 Evaluate and implement appropriate recommendations from Pillar 4 of the 21st Century Policing and those from the Community Advisory Team 21 (CAT 21). 6.3.1 COPS Officers will spend the majority of their time in

the community. They will hold meetings and build relationships with the residents and their partners within the community. They will develop programs with the community to help build engagement with each other. Part of this will include programs for conflict or crisis intervention and remediation


Ongoing

#7 Consolidate and improve community policing functions 7.1 The Community Oriented Policing Unit will review and update their duties and responsibilities to establish performance evaluation expectations of individual COPS Officers to actively engage beat and sector patrol officers to collaboratively work on community policing efforts within a neighborhood. Action Plan Assignment Target Date 7.1.1 The COPS Unit will produce a monthly calendar of

events, concerns and action items to address for each of their communities. Attendance at roll calls is expected to ensure community concerns are addressed with Patrol Officers on a weekly basis. They will partner with crime analysis to address crime trends within their community


Ongoing

7.2 Staff will restore, improve and increase the Bicycle Patrol Officer program. 7.2.1 The COPS Unit will continue to train officers as

instructors for future classes. They will put on bike classes as needed; and ensure equipment and clothing for bike officers is maintained or ordered.


Ongoing


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A written policy will be established using IACP and NIJ model policy to communicate the outline of the program to staff.


July 31, 2018

A plan will be developed to increase the number of bicycle-certified officers, number of hours and miles officers patrol on bicycles and community policing engagement opportunities through this method of deployment.


July 31, 2018

7.3 Current COPS neighborhood deployment areas will be evaluated through analysis of current trends in crime, traffic and quality of life issues. The analysis will drive the reestablishment of an updated COPS neighborhood deployment map. (Compliance with 21st Century Policing Recommendation 4.5) 7.3.1 Analysis and fact gathering from faith-based

organizations, businesses and organizations will be completed to update or create new COPS neighborhoods. We will continue to evaluate and if necessary reassign COPS Officers to join with the businesses and faith-based organizations needing assistance.


Ongoing

7.4 Staff will track and improve the level of trust in APD by our community just as we do with change in crime trends. Evidence-based community surveys will be developed and administered using established benchmarks to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of APD’s performance and legitimacy. (Compliance with 21st Century Policing Recommendations 1.7 and 2.1) 7.4.1 We will continue to monitor and track crime trends

in the COPS communities with annual community surveys. We will also collaborate with community members to develop policy in our efforts to assist neighborhoods affected by a disproportionate amount of crime.


Ongoing

7.5 Identify opportunities to change the “Community policing is only for COPS Officers” mindset and engage all Sworn and Civilian employees in building relationships with the community. 7.5.1 We will develop strategies to involve all public

safety personnel to assist and partner with our communities members. When necessary we will solicit temporary assignments to assist with community projects or events.


July 31, 2018


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7.6 The Community Relations Division will be assigned to identify “…training in community policing for seasoned officers.” The assigned commander will collaborate with training staff in Administrative Services Bureau (ASB) to establish identified community policing training as mandatory ongoing training for all APD employees (International Association of Chiefs of Police, 2016, p. 93). 7.6.1 Training will be scheduled for COPS officers on a bi-

annual basis to discuss community policing related issues. COPS officers will be CPTED trained once assigned to the unit.


Ongoing

7.7 Community-Oriented Policing Officers will be deployed to geographically established neighborhoods. The updated duties and responsibilities of COPS Officers will be enumerated to best fit the needs of individual neighborhoods. 7.7.1 COPS officers will be assigned to communities based

on the needs of the community.


Ongoing

7.8 Expand the Residential Police Officer program to incorporate current off-duty agreements between individual sworn staff and property managers throughout the City. 7.8.1 The department is working on a new Off-Duty

residential program that will assist with developing a partnership with other communities in the City.

CRD Commander

July 31, 2018

7.9 Staff will identify or develop training to educate and encourage primary unit and back-up unit officers to increase procedural justice toward victims, suspects, witnesses and all third parties by explanation of law enforcement processes and actions to increase trustworthiness, compliance and cooperation. 7.9.1 The COPS Unit, along with the Volunteer Unit will

conduct various Law Enforcement Academy’s to educate the community. Participants will be educated on procedural practices and state laws.


Ongoing


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7.10 Staff will develop methods in connecting community policing output efforts that exist separate of one another within APD. Community Relations Division will ensure community policing projects are coordinated in concert with SROs, Recruitment, Public Information Office and Investigations. This will be accomplished through reporting of program outcomes and the development of a Microsoft Outlook Calendar for all community policing events to be recorded and communicated to all APD Staff. (Compliance with 21st Century Policing Recommendation 4.2) 7.10.1 The COPS Unit will produce an Outlook Calendar to

post events, send out emails within the Department to announce community events. SRO’s will work with the COPS Unit during the summer break to re-enforce community engagement and youth awareness. After-Action Reports will be required for all events to be used for analysis.


Ongoing

7.11 FOB Division and Shift Commanders will collaborate to develop opportunities for staff to engage with at-risk youths in external and internal programs. Examples of these programs are officers participating in externally run programs, such as those run by ACPS, YMCA or RPCA. Commanders will also identify and develop internal programs to engage with at-risk youths, such as the Youth Citizens Police Academy or Volunteer Summer Internship Program. (Compliance with 21st Century Policing Recommendation 4.6) 7.11.1 FOB personnel will be expected to participate in all

COPS related and City sponsored academies. All events will require FOB as well as the COPS personnel.


Ongoing

RECOMMENDATIONS:

A primary recommendation of the 2016 IACP Staffing Study was to “Reemphasize Community Policing as a Department Strategy.” A contributing factor to this issue was lack of officer availability time to contribute to community policing. Since the publication of the report, the Department has altered the patrol work schedule, added 10 officers to minimum staffing, 6 prioritized staffing and shifted work to TRU through a comprehensive assessment. These adjustments have resulted in increasing the number of on-duty officers and time available to them to use to engage in non-enforcement community policing activities.


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VOLUNTEER PROGRAM


The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the management of the Volunteer Program and all of the volunteer activities in the police department. This program provides support to different sections within the police department so that staff can perform more tasks related to crime prevention and law enforcement activities. The program also provides opportunities for students to volunteer or earn academic credit through structured internships. While the Volunteer Program has been extremely successful, there are opportunities to expand and grow the number of volunteers that work within the police department.

FY 2018 GOALS

#8 Ensure the Volunteer Program continues.

8.1 Continue successful programs like the Community Police Academy Action Plan Assignment Target Date 8.1.1 Reevaluate the program after ever session.

Implement improvements when needed. Command staff & Volunteer Coordinator

Ongoing

8.2 Expand internships and volunteer opportunities 8.2.1 Staff has been tasked with identifying standing

volunteer opportunities within each of their sections. This information will be sent to the Volunteer Coordinator for staffing. By having a standing list of volunteer positions within each section, the volunteer coordinator will be able to bring more volunteers and interns into the police department.

Command staff & Volunteer Coordinator

August 31, 2018

8.3 Develop opportunities for youth volunteers 8.3.1 Staff has been tasked with identifying standing


Command staff & Volunteer Coordinator

August 31, 2018


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8.4 Promote the use of the Safe Assured Child ID program 8.4.1 Promote the SafeAssured Child ID program

throughout the city during special events and other city sponsored gatherings.

Volunteer Coordinator

Ongoing

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Develop volunteers conducting CPTED surveys for residential crime victims

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM


Engaging with the youth in our community through summer enrichment programs like the Jr. Police Academy and the Police Youth Camp, school year partnerships like with ACPS and the Department of Recreation, and clubhouse activities at the Alexandria Boys and Girls Clubs. To intentionally develop and foster relationships between police and young people as they are working, learning, and having fun together. This helps facilitate positive relationships and open lines of communication.

FY 2018 GOALS

#9 Develop positive relationships with the youth of the communities

9.1 Attend community and school events Action Plan Assignment Target Date 9.1.1 Develop a calendar of events and ensure that COPS

officers are in attendance at the events. COPS Supervisor

June 29, 2018

9.2 Develop youth programs 9.2.1 Continue the Youth Law Enforcement Academy and

develop other youth programs with existing staffing. COPS Supervisor

June 14, 2018

9.3 Expand youth internships and volunteer opportunities 9.3.1 Staff has been tasked with identifying standing


Volunteer Coordinator

August 31, 2018


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9.4 Become actively involved in strategic community youth initiatives Action Plan Assignment Target Date 9.4.1 Attend Community Youth engagement meetings

through the city

CRD Commander

Ongoing

9.5 Participate in City sponsored youth engagement programs Action Plan Assignment Target Date 9.5.1 Work with other city agencies and participate in

their youth engagement activities. CRD Commander & COPS supervisor

Ongoing

RECOMMENDATIONS

Expose youth to career paths, so they can learn about the many career choices available.

Mentor, role model and offer internships that can provide a spring board for future career choices.

FAITH-BASED OUTREACH PROGRAM


Community policing is not just about the relationship between individual neighborhood residents. It is also about the relationship between law enforcement leaders and the leaders of key institutions in a community such as the church and other faith-based organizations. The program coordinator will be responsible for building a network of faith-based organizations working collaboratively with the Police Department to improve the quality of life within its faith community and surrounding neighborhoods. This will include helping faith-based organizations build their capacity and leadership to meet community needs, particularly related to crisis situations and racial and ethnic relations.


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FY 2018 GOALS

#10 Establish and maintain existing partnerships with Faith-Based individuals and organizations.

10.1 Develop partnerships with Faith-Based organizations Action Plan Assignment Target Date 10.1.1 We will attend gatherings and activities of the local

assemblies.

CRD Commander

Ongoing

10.2 Increase participation of leaders and members of the Faith-Based organizations in our CPA 10.2.1 We will maintain a working dialog with the

members of the clergy, while attempting to get some to commit to being a part of our CPA.

CRD Commander

Ongoing

10.3 Solicit involvement from clergy and members on NNO 10.3.1 We will solicit ride a longs for the members of the

Faith-Based organizations on NNO.

CRD Commander

Ongoing

10.4 Create an effective two way communication strategy between all the stakeholders 10.4.1 We will maintain a working dialog with the

members of the clergy

CRD Commander

Ongoing

CRIME PREVENTION UNIT


The Crime Prevention Unit coordinates the Department’s efforts to minimize crime through environmental planning and design (CPTED), community relations functions, and works to reduce or eliminate crime opportunities through citizen involvement in crime resistance. The Crime Prevention Unit also coordinates the Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, and the National Night Out programs.

FY 2019 GOALS

#11 Ensure Crime Prevention function is effectively staffed and viable. Objectives Assignment Target Date 11.1 Identify succession for this position. ERD, CP Q2


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11.2 Train additional officers in CPTED. ERD, CP Q4

11.3 Maintain certifications (CPTED, etc.). ERD Q4

11.4 Explore viability of using volunteers to augment service to community.

CP, Volunteers Q3

11.5 Develop check-sheet for quick CPTED surveys. CP Q4

11.6 Regularly liaison with Planning & Zoning and Code Administration to bolster City developmental regulations that enhance safety and CPTED.

CP Q2

11.7 Assess CP from a functional view, considering expansion and integration with other departmental units (like COPS or TTRU) to increase community connections and service.

ERD, CP Q3

#12 Ensure National Night Out is well-attended and successful. Objectives Assignment Target Date 12.1 Contact APD command and City VIPs. CP April/May

12.2 Collate community participation information. CP Q4

12.3 Facilitate internal coordination of event. CP, SE, ERD Q4

METRICS:

Tracking measurable output against databases for:

Presentations, assessments, SUP reviews

Event coordination

Community engagement reporting (staff-hours spent at which event)

RECOMENDATIONS:

Review compatibilities with other sections of agency to seek ability to increase mission output and increase effectiveness of crime prevention efforts through collaboration and training.

Documents

FY19 Community Relations Division - AlexandriaVA.Gov CRD - 103018.pdfA written policy will be established using IACP and NIJ model policy to communicate the outline of the program