Understanding the Foundations of Constitutional Policing
Constitutional Policing is defined as policing conducted within the parameters of the U.S. Constitution, state constitution(s), and federal and state court decisions that define roles and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies and personnel in terms of everyday practices.
Constitutional policing provides a framework to ensure fair, impartial, and effective enforcement of the law that is consistent with constitutional principles, democratic values, and community expectations. It ensues when law enforcement officers respect, value, and uphold the rights and freedoms granted by the U.S. Constitution and other legal requirements to all people in this country.
View the Federal Interventions Dashboard to explore listings of federal interventions related to Constitutional rights and federal laws.
What the Field is Thinking
“Aligning policing goals with constitutional values encourages proactive crime prevention, promotes conflict resolution, and fosters trust and collaboration with the community.”
Arif Alikhan, Former Director of Constitutional Policing and Policy, Los Angeles Police Department, California
The Constitutional Policing Ecosystem
The Constitution is a foundation to build off of to achieve excellence in policing.
Constitutional policing emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals fairly and impartially, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other personal characteristics. It also requires police officers to use their authority in a manner that is consistent with the law and respects the rights of all citizens, especially those who may be suspected of committing a crime.
Constitutional policing recognizes that public safety is not a commodity to be given, but a goal to be collectively envisioned and achieved. It requires communication and co-creation with communities. Lifting the voices of those most impacted by crime, violence, and policing allows agencies to identify and address their biggest challenges fairly, equitably, and effectively.
Constitutional policing emphasizes the need for evidence-based public safety strategies. Implementing scientifically researched and proven practices ensures that agencies can meet their goals as effectively as possible.
Constitutional policing necessitates enhanced accountability and transparency practices to facilitate both co-creation with community and agency legitimacy. These measures engender respect, confidence, and build public buy-in for public safety policies and practices.
Constitutional policing refers to a set of organizational values and policies that uphold and respect the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions, and federal/state court decisions, such as freedom of speech, privacy, and the rights of the accused.
