The Center on Policing has designed a law enforcement educational and resource center with the goal of aiding state and local law enforcement in New Jersey through training, program development, internal review, and technical assistance. The Center is a state-wide and regional resource to help police leaders conduct reviews of and revisions to their outdated policies and training to implement modern “best practices” to serve equally a diverse population. These best practices will evolve with the changing environment of public safety, incorporating legislative changes and Attorney General guidelines at both the state and federal level to ensure the most comprehensive and timely recommendations are available. By serving as a neutral convener, the resource center assists law enforcement across the state and region create safer communities, increase effectiveness and efficiency, and improve the relationships between the police and the diverse communities they serve. 

Additionally, the ability to inform the leadership of research on best practices from both a managerial and leadership perspective as well as from a public safety threat reduction viewpoint can address these public safety challenges in cooperation with the community.  

These model policies can increase the community’s trust and confidence in the organization and enhance the cooperation of the public with the police. This resource center provides information to law enforcement officers, but also guides training and offers technical assistance to law enforcement agencies seeking to improve their policies and practices.  The contents of this resource center draw from demonstrated best practices in the field and from academic research both in the United States and internationally. As new research and articles become available the Center on Policing shares them with the participants. 

The services provided by the resource center integrate these key components:

  •  Technical Assistance

Community policing partnerships and collaborative partnerships between law enforcement agencies and individuals and organizations they serve can develop solutions to problems and increase public trust. This also comprises input into policy development, training, and implementation to organizational transformation. This includes the alignment of organizational management, structure, personnel, and information systems to support community partnerships and proactive problem-solving. 

  • Problem Analysis

Another critical area is the ability to use data and information to inform policies and tactical and strategical initiatives.  This analysis should identify why problems exist in neighborhoods and identify the conditions that contribute to and perpetuate crime. This analysis is also helpful to more specifically pinpoint individuals, places, or behaviors that are disruptive to the community, as well as to channel public safety and community resources in times of reduced resources. 

Integrating data analysis into all aspects of the program is a critical common theme.