Improving Police Department Productivity and Reducing Juvenile Crimes

Introduction

Memphis city police department provides public safety by forestalling crime, creating partnerships between police and public, and data controlled surveillance. Its staff are highly educated, technically adept, and compassionate about cultural diversity when working with different communities (Memphis Police Department, 2022). The WPD executes its work through administrative, uniform patrols I and II, special operations, investigative, and information systems divisions.

Statement of the Problem

Despite its efforts to offer secure environment, the WPD faces some issues that influence its normal working. There are increased incidences of carjacking among juveniles (James, 2022). Statistics revealed 70% rise of the same fault by the end of 2021 (Turner, 2022). It was equally reported that over 80 young adults were arrested for this crime in 2021 (Turner, 2022). This is coupled by a decrease in productivity among officers due to budget constraints. Therefore, it requires new ideas to enhance its operations efficiency and increase funding so as to tackle these vices within the communities.

Analysis of the Problem

Surveys have been conducted using the clearance rate, a metric that tracks the number of court cases solved as represented by arrests. For example, based on its findings, FOX13 reported that police arrested 59% and 60% of total cases in 2018 and 2019, respectively (Solomon, 2022). In 2020, the number decreased to 54%; however, most carjackers are repeat offenders affiliated with gangs (Turner, 2022). This offense has resulted in the arrest of approximately 80 teenagers and 65 adults. Criminals usually assess the risks and benefits of their consequences (Hudik, 2019). For juveniles, it is mostly fueled by peer influence rather than the rewards they are likely to get.

Causes of the Problem

Early exposure to violence in the family, a lack of efficient social controls, and parents’ failure to instill morals in children aid crime rates among juveniles. Furthermore, those raised in low-income families and disorganized communities tend to behave violently. Likewise, the presence of organized gangsters and drug distribution networks in the neighborhoods, as well as frustrations and conflicts in schools, necessitate teenagers’ exposure to violence (Yao, 2021). It is equally believed that poor management, a heavy workload, low pay, and threats to the health and safety of the officers demoralize them, leading to low performance.

Solutions to the Problem

WPD should implement a number of interventions to boost its objective of enhancing security. Firstly, the introduction of crisis management team (CIT) training will enhance officers’ skills on carrying out arrests and help them be effective while handling different situations (Rogers et al., 2019). Second, WPD must train its dispatchers on how to identify areas where people with mental illnesses are likely to be present. Consequently, they will be able to take those with mental health problems to rehabilitation or mental-health facilities instead of jails.

Thirdly, WPD should employ crime reduction utilization statistics history (CRUSH). It assists in predicting the future of carjacking incidences (Tulumello & Iapaolo, 2021). Fourthly, incorporating a public safety program will help the police identify the drivers of violent crimes (Office of Justice Programs, 2021). For prevention, parents must be sensitized to the importance of raising morally sound children. This will aid in reducing teenagers’ involvement with gangs and drug abuse (Corbett, 2019). In addition, community-outreach activities where officers host teenagers from local communities to improve their relationship and raise awareness against misdeeds (Xiao, 2022). Finally, employee capacities and performance will improve as a result of mentorship, training programs, and rewards.

Support to WPD Mission

Overall, the successful implementation of public safety partnership programs will result in a reduction in crime and victimization in Memphis. This is possible because the program’s main focus is on improving criminal investigation and criminal justice coordination in countering crimes related to carjacking (Office of Justice Programs, 2021)

Predicted Future of WPD and Community in 5 to 10 Years

When the proposal is fully implemented in the next 5 to 10 years, officers will be properly trained, remunerated, and motivated. Employees’ turnover will not be an issue, thus, boosting their productivity. Furthermore, the relationship between the surrounding community and the police will be good. Lastly, crime rates are expected to be low due to sound investigation and prevention systems.

Communicating with External Stakeholders

The communication strategy will have a clear plan that involves incorporating key stakeholders, including community members. Those to engage will be identified early enough before the program starts to enable the program to remain on track (Tagabe, 2021). A formal survey will be conducted to ascertain the information the stakeholders need. Thereafter, a summary report detailing what each group requires will be delivered to them physically. Emails and messaging systems will equally be employed to deliver immediate, customized, and efficient facts to their contacts. Finally, there is the proposed use of online videos to reach a wider audience.

References

Corbett, J. (2019). Parental influence on juvenile delinquency [Master’s thesis, Youngstown State University]. Web.

Hudik, M. (2019). Two interpretations of the rational choice theory and the relevance of behavioral critique. Rationality and Society, 31(4), 464-489. Web.

James, J. (2022). Memphis organization, leaders discuss solutions to juvenile crime. News Channel 3. Web.

Memphis Police Department. (2020). Divisions. Web.

Office of Justice Programs. (2021). Case study: Memphis, Tennessee – Deploying a monumental effort in collaboration to reduce violent crime. Web.

Rogers, M. S., McNiel, D. E., & Binder, R. L. (2019). Effectiveness of police crisis intervention training programs. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. Web.

Solomon, K. (2022). Juvenile crimes and arrests jumped 30 percent from 2020 to 2021, TBI reports. Fox13. Web.

Tagabe, P. M. (2021). 7 ways to effectively communicate with your stakeholders. Infrastructure Magazine. Web.

Tulumello, S., & Iapaolo, F. (2021). Policing the future, disrupting urban policy today. Predictive policing, smart city, and urban policy in Memphis (TN). Urban Geography, 43(3), 448-469. Web.

Turner, D. (2022). Fox13 investigates: Number of Memphis carjacking spikes during the pandemic. Fox13. Web.

Xiao, Y. (2022). Elementary analysis on the characteristics and causes as well as countermeasures of juvenile delinquency. Asian Journal of Social Science Studies, 7(4), 90. Web.

Yao, F. (2021). Analysis on psychological and social causes of juvenile delinquency–A study based on grounded theory. The International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Education, 0020720921996608. Web.