Wednesday, Nov. 16 Forum: Community Relations and Law Enforcement Presenting Santa Barbara Chief of Police Lori Luhnow League of Women Voters® of Santa Barbara & Education Fund

Community Policing Defined

Community Policing Defined Community Policing 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.

Community Policing Defined

Community Partnerships Community policing, recognizing that police rarely can solve public safety problems alone, encourages interactive partnerships with relevant stakeholders. The range of potential partners is large, and these partnerships can be used to accomplish the two interrelated goals of developing solutions to problems through collaborative problem solving and improving public trust. The public should play a role in prioritizing and addressing public safety problems

Community Policing Defined The community policing philosophy focuses on the way that departments are organized and managed and how the infrastructure can be changed to support the philosophical shift behind community policing. It encourages the application of modern management practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Community policing emphasizes changes in organizational structures to institutionalize its adoption and infuse it throughout the entire department, including the way it is managed and organized, its personnel, and its technology.

f f Community policing emphasizes proactive problem solving in a systematic and routine fashion. Rather than responding to crime only after it occurs, community policing encourages agencies to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safety problems. Problem solving must be infused into all police operations and guide decision-making efforts. Agencies are encouraged to think innovatively about their responses and view making arrests as only one of a wide array of potential responses.

Community Policing Conclusion Rather than simply responding to crimes once they have been committed, community policing concentrates on preventing crime and eliminating the atmosphere of fear it creates. Earning the trust of the community and making those individuals stakeholders in their own safety enables law enforcement to better understand and address both the needs of the community and the factors that contribute to crime.

League Positions National, State & Local That may relate to this discussion

Corrections System (2012) Support of a corrections system which has as its primary goal rehabilitation, that is, the prevention of recidivism, with emphasis on alternatives to incarceration, and on compliance with state standards for facilities and staffing. Support of programs and public education to involve the community in rehabilitation.

Diversity Policy (US) The LWVUS/LWVEF, in both its values and practices, affirms its belief and commitment to diversity and pluralism, which means there shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of the LWVUS/LWVEF on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. The LWVUS/LWVEF recognizes that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision-making.  The LWVUS/LWVEF subscribes to the belief that diversity and pluralism are fundamental to the values it upholds and that this inclusiveness enhances the organization's ability to respond more effectively to changing conditions and needs. The LWVUS/LWVEF affirms its commitment to reflecting the diversity of the country in its board, staff and programs.

Diversity (2001) (SB) Encourage minority persons who reflect the diversity in our communities to serve on existing governmental boards, commissions and councils as well as on boards of non-profit agencies. Support the development and continuance of human relations commissions and task forces to study community needs, to resolve conflicts between different ethnic groups; and to help implement those recommendations which are consistent with League policies. (Reworded 1995 and 1998) Develop a League outreach effort leading to co-sponsorship of forums and other events on issues of concern to minority communities. Encourage diversity in League membership.

Mental Health (updated 1997) (SB) Support of comprehensive, flexible and effective mental health legislation and programs for adults and children needing preventive help, maintenance, treatment and rehabilitation. (Amended 1979 and 1990; updated 1997) Objectives: Improved financing, including state and county financial aid for locally administered mental health programs. Coordination of services among agencies serving clients.

Position on Mental Health Care (CA) Support an adequately funded mental health care system that provides comprehensive services to the acutely, chronically and seriously mentally ill of all ages; maintains optimal mental health services for all clients; places emphasis on meeting the needs of children; offers mental health services for the homeless; seeks additional funds for preventive services; implements a master plan to integrate services; raises awareness of critical unmet needs; and emphasizes case management.

Homelessness (1986) (SB) Support of joint planning and coordination by federal, state, county and city government entities with the private sector, including non-profit and private organizations, the business community and private citizens. Support of government sponsored community-wide task force. The magnitude and diversity of the needs of the homeless require active participation at every level of government with the private sector in Santa Barbara. Support of appropriate solutions with adequate financing, to respond to both short term and long term needs of homeless people. These include the provision of better access to existing social services, emphasis on affordable housing, including subsidized rentals, and establishment of criteria for shelter services to include counseling and referral of those with special needs. (1986)

Position on Juvenile Justice and Dependency (CA) Support a juvenile justice/dependency system that works to prevent child abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency, that serves foster children and their families and status offenders, and that rehabilitates juvenile offenders, by promoting the safety and well-being of children and helping to prepare them for productive participation in society. Support early identification of at-risk children and families followed by appropriate referrals to services that work with children, youth, families and schools. Support community efforts to provide safe supportive environments for children and their families and institutions that respect them and promote non-violent solutions to problems. Support the rights and best interests of the child in preference to those of any other individual. - See more at: https://lwvc.org/position/juvenile-justice-and-dependency#sthash.kkBTWfL1.dpuf

Immigration (US) Promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business and employment needs of the United States; be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises; and provide for student visas.Ensure fair treatment under the law for all persons. In transition to a reformed system, support provisions for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status.

Community Partners Panel Maggie Campbell, Executive Director of Downtown Santa Barbara; Glenn Bacheller, Social Ventures Partners/Homeless Affinity Group; Maricela Morales, Executive Director, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE); Julia Hamilton, Minister, Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara; Tania Israel, Professor of Counseling, Clinical and School Psychology, UCSB; Kathleen Riel, Program Manager, Independent Living Resource Center.

Q & A From The Audience For the Chief & Community Partners