Community Policing

Rochelle T. James Northern Arizona University December 16, 2013

Presentation Outline
Background Needs Assessment: Are Navajos safe? Factors contributing to local crime Objectives Suggested changes Steps to implement changes Community involvement Budget A safer community

Background:
The Navajo Nation is the largest American Indian reservation in the United States Population: approximately 332,000 People residing on the reservation: approximately 300,000 There are only 365 commissioned Navajo Nation officers patrolling 27,000 square miles of land

Are Navajos Safe?

There is a ratio of 0.6 Navajo officers per 1,000 people compared to the national average of 3 officers per 1,000 There are only seven police departments on the Navajo Nation located in the higher populated towns Between these seven districts are many rural communities where crime can easily be committed and unreported. There have been issues of the departments not responding to calls quickly or not responding at all

Factors causing local crimes

Police departments are busy and will not respond anyway Rural crimes will most likely never be reported Alcohol, drug abuse, and gang activities are major factors Unsupervised youth cause juvenile delinquency

Objectives
High rates of poverty=high rates of crime Poverty relates to social distress High rates of crime will continue to increase

Suggested Changes
Make efforts to address poverty Provide more attention and alternatives to youth Continue goals to reduce crime Research crime prevention strategies Improve police response times

Community Involvement
Promoting community awareness Since the community knows the geographical area and members most, the community should determine what is convenient Community policing must be implemented after everyone is aware of the challenges and how to address them

Steps to implement changes

Some examples include: introducing crime prevention programs, attending informative meetings, communicating with local agencies and police departments Inform other community members of current events

Budget
The Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) is a tribal grant within the purpose area of Public Safety and Community Policing (COPS). This grant provides federally recognized tribes an opportunity to develop a response to public safety and an opportunity to request funds that will help reduce and prevent crime. The budget will be used to sponsor community meetings, to research possible ways to deter crime, and provide assistance from local police departments

A safer community
The idea of a safer community will allow youth to seek beneficial alternatives and opportunities Youth and young adults will become more active in positive community events, education, and employment Deterring crime will prevent dangerous risks to community and family members Cultural restoration