GETTING THE POLICE TO TAKE PROBLEM-ORIENTED POLICING SERIOUSLY

Police agencies have, for the most part, not yet integrated the principles and methods of problem-oriented policing into their rou- tine operations. This is so for several reasons. First, many police offi- cials lack a complete understanding of the basic elements of problem- oriented policing and how problem solving fits in the context of the whole police function. Second, the police have not yet adequately de- veloped the skill sets and knowledge bases to support problem- oriented policing. And third, the police have insufficient incentives to take problem-oriented policing seriously. This paper begins by articu- lating what full integration of problem-oriented policing into routine police operations might look like. It then presents one framework for integrating the principles and methods of problem-oriented policing into the whole police function. The paper then explores the particular skill sets and knowledge bases that will be essential to the practice of problem-oriented policing within police agencies and across the police profession. Finally, it explores the perspectives of those who critically evaluate police performance, and considers ways to modify those per- spectives and expectations consistent with problem-oriented policing.