Close-up of a microphone mounted on a stand, focused in the foreground against a softly blurred background illuminated by warm ambient light.

Ramsey County Highlights Successful Shift Away from Non-Safety Traffic Stops

A new Ramsey County video highlights how local law enforcement and the County Attorney’s Office have strengthened community trust by reducing non‑public‑safety traffic stops. Since shifting focus in 2021 toward enforcement of moving violations that directly impact safety, the county has seen major drops in low‑level stops, reduced racial disparities, and no negative effect on public safety. The video also showcases the Lights On! partnership, which replaces equipment‑violation stops with repair vouchers that support drivers and improve safety.

 

You can watch the full video and find additional details on our Stops, Searches, and Arrests webpage.

Implementation Toolkit for Real-Time Crime Centers

Public Safety Partnership (PSP) has launched an interactive toolkit providing guidance and considerations for agencies beginning their development of real-time crime centers (RTCCs). The toolkit, organized into two module sets, addresses topics from overcoming challenges to key steps for effective RTCC implementation.

Reducing Organizational Stress—and Its Potential Harm—Across the Organization

A new OnPolicing blog post by the National Policing Institute, written by Karen L. Amendola, spotlights a growing body of research showing that organizational stress can have “a stronger and more sustained influence on officer outcomes than operational dangers themselves,” revealing how everyday pressures quietly undermine officer health and performance while fairness, transparency, and genuine organizational support can significantly reduce the harm.

Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) Conference

The 2026 PLECET Conference will bring together professionals from across the country for five days of training, collaboration, and skill‑building focused on community engagement in public safety. The event features a mix of keynote sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to support continued growth and connection across the field.

Crime Trends in U.S. Cities: Year-End 2025 Update

The Council on Criminal Justice has released its latest analysis of crime patterns across major U.S. cities, offering a fresh look at how public safety shifted over the past year. The update highlights notable changes across key offense categories and provides new insight into how conditions evolved throughout 2025. The report outlines several developments that help frame the broader conversation around safety and crime trends.

Bexar Responsibly Toolkit

Bexar County has released a comprehensive toolkit designed to support conversations around responsible firearm storage. The collection includes ready‑to‑use materials such as graphics, printable resources, and messaging guides that help promote safety in homes and community spaces. The toolkit offers practical tools for raising awareness and encouraging secure storage habits in a clear, easy‑to‑use format.

Six Trends to Watch in American Policing in 2026

The National Policing Institute has released a new brief highlighting six key trends shaping American policing in 2026. From workforce shortages to rising security risks and rapid tech adoption, the report outlines major challenges ahead. Read the full analysis to see why 2026 will be a pivotal year for public safety leaders.

The systems that can fail: Six vulnerabilities to address before major events

Police1 has released an article highlighting six critical systems that can fail during major events. It encourages public safety officials to enhance planning, coordination, and infrastructure to avoid disruptions and maintain security. The article stresses proactive strategies in technology, communication, and emergency response to protect communities before large gatherings.

The Current State of Traffic Enforcement

The Police Executive Research Forum has published a new report on the rise in traffic fatalities and approaches to improve safety. Drawing on insights from police leaders and safety experts, it highlights enforcement, roadway design, and community partnerships as key to reversing deadly trends.

Managing Critical Incidents and Mass Demonstrations: Building Trust Through Preparedness and Restraint

Managing protests and critical incidents requires both preparation and respect for constitutional rights. This InFocus article from the National Policing Institute outlines practical strategies for de-escalation, communication, and accountability. It shows how agencies can strengthen trust while keeping communities safe.

Latest Resources

Visit the Knowledge Lab's full resource index

Guidebook/Tool | 2024

Preparing Law Enforcement Agencies for Embedded Clinicians

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Webpage | 2024

The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM)

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Report | 2023

Work and Life Stressors of Law Enforcement Personnel

  • Officer Safety and Wellness

Report | 2023

Evaluating the Utility of Sobering Centers: Analyses of Police and Sobering Centers Across Five Jurisdictions

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Research Brief | 2023

A Research Summary of ‘Assessing the Impact of Crisis Intervention Teams: A Review of Research’

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Guidebook/Tool, Report | 2023

Rethinking the Police Response to Mental Health-Related Calls: Promising Models

  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Guidebook/Tool | 2023

Law Enforcement Response to People with Developmental Disabilities: Steps for Deflection or Pre-Arrest Diversion

  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Guidebook/Tool | 2023

Department of Justice and Department of Health & Human Services Guidance for Emergency Responses to People with Behavioral Health or Other Disabilities

  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

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