The City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) are employing a new problem-oriented approach to violence reduction at one of the city’s most violence-prone apartment complexes. After six months, this approach has reduced violent street crime by 50% compared to the year before. Overall, calls for service were down 24%, and violence-related calls by 30%. This problem-oriented, place-based policing (POPBP) approach aims to reduce crime in some of the city’s persistently violent places by building on a foundation of problem-oriented policing and incorporating a multi-disciplinary team of stakeholders from across city government and the identified place. Although this approach had positive findings, understanding its overall impact is still being considered. Family violence offenses and calls increased compared to the previous year, suggesting that more work remains to be done at the site to change patterns of violent behavior within intimate partner and family settings. It’s also…

One year ago, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) launched a new unit to identify areas for long-term improvements, present opportunities for augmenting operational efficiency, and enhance public safety through innovation. The effort is positioned to create change from within by relying on system assessments rather than waiting for external pressure after a critical incident or court order to improve processes. As such, the unit views itself as a “best practice unit” that proactively identifies areas for improvement and implements best practices in accordance with the needs of the department, desires of the community, and innovations in the field. How DPD Conducts Self-Assessment The five core functions of the unit include independent analysis, implementation, monitoring, training and education, and officer and community engagement. The unit’s approach to independent analysis entails gathering information from officers, analyzing quantitative data, conducting field observations, reviewing processes and protocols, assessing policies, and undertaking reviews of the…

When the Miami Police Department introduces a new technology, the process starts well before the tool reaches officers’ hands. Central to this approach is the role of the District Champion, a trusted field lieutenant selected to help implement innovation from the inside out. Deploying Champions Early District Champions are activated early in the implementation process. They test new tools, offer real-world feedback, and serve as a communication bridge between frontline officers, analysts, IT units, and even external vendors. What’s new here is not just the creation of an implementation lead; it’s the timing and scope of the role. These Champions are engaged before a single login is created or a mobile device is issued. They help shape the rollout by listening closely to concerns and ideas from end users, particularly officers in the field. This early listening role is critical. Champions gather input and concerns and relay them to technical staff…

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is taking a fresh approach to tackling stolen vehicles, leading to a large jump in detection and recovery rates, while avoiding unnecessary vehicle stops. This innovative strategy was developed in collaboration with cancer researchers, making Portland, Oregon, one of the top cities in the nation for reducing vehicle thefts. Thanks to this approach, PPB recovers stolen vehicles in one out of every four targeted vehicle stops, compared to the previous one out of 31. Understanding Vehicle Theft in Portland In 2021, the Portland area was ranked fifth in the nation for vehicle thefts per capita, so PPB had a tough job identifying stolen vehicles before they were abandoned. Starting in January 2021, vehicle thefts in Portland surged, peaking in November 2021 with 1,140 reported stolen vehicles—an average of 38 per day. Officers noticed that stolen vehicles were often linked to serious crimes like homicides, armed…

The Fargo Police Department (FPD) prioritizes officer wellness as a fundamental agency value, believing firmly that wellness initiatives and peer support are essential for both sworn and civilian staff, from the top down. Every one of our department team members feels the effects of the trauma and stress that is the unfortunate reality of our noble profession. Each performs their role and responsibility with fidelity on a daily basis. The work of our staff, sworn and civilian, is vital to organizational success and the ability to provide outstanding community service. We, as law enforcement leaders, have a duty to do all that we can to prepare and support them throughout their careers. An Agency Commitment to Wellness In 2024, the FPD hired a full-time wellness coordinator, funded by a grant from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). This significant investment followed the implementation of…

In late 2023, the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) officially launched its place-based strategy (PBS) zones, a violence reduction and community-building initiative designed to improve public safety and quality of life in areas disproportionately impacted by gun violence. The initiative is a data-driven, problem-solving approach that has proven effective at preventing gun crimes while simultaneously building authentic relationships in the community.  KPD’s initiative builds on the foundations of place-based policing by making a sustained, long-term commitment to select geographic areas. Additionally, the approach relies on partnerships with various City of Knoxville departments, service providers, and non-profit organizations to holistically address issues that contribute to crime, disorder and diminished quality of life. Strategic Selection of PBS Zones  With the unified goal of meaningfully reducing gun violence in concentrated pockets of the community, KPD crime analysts conducted a comprehensive review of fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents. That review process, paired with input from…