Field Notes

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…