A growing divide exists in America between its citizens and the police officers who’ve sworn to protect them. Bridging that gap is paramount if officers are to be effective within their communities.
Former deputy Darron Spencer addresses this intensifying crisis and shares his techniques for neutralizing negative perceptions in his new e-book, Humane Policing: How Perspectives Can Influence Our Performance.
Drawing on his experience as a marine, corrections officer and sheriff’s deputy, Spencer reveals his unique approach through real instances of how he implemented “humane policing” and why it worked.
Written for law enforcement professionals as well as the general public, Humane Policing explores the changes that law enforcement needs to make, chronicles the experiences that shaped Spencer’s personal perspective, and offers life-changing tools to help officers everywhere better serve their communities.
Author Darron Spencer worked in a patrol division for just 20 months before a debilitating condition ended his career. As a deputy, Spencer oversaw more than 250 cases that resulted in 40 felony and 74 misdemeanor arrests. He assisted in four death investigations and booked in more than 150 pieces of evidence. He was awarded Deputy of the Year and received the Ribbon of Merit.
He achieved tremendous success gaining cooperation from individuals, suspects and even career criminals while investigating cases. When Spencer’s police work was cut short, he sought a new avenue to public service.
Now he travels the country to meet with local police departments and share his approach to policing. His goal is to improve the relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve and ultimately the public image of law enforcement officers on a national scale.
I had a chance to interview him to learn more.
Why are police-community relations so important?
Police-community relations are so important because it is the most common interaction the general public has with the executive branch of the government. If there is not a good relationship with the community trust in the government as a whole break down. When there is a good relationship and the trust is there, the community and police can work hand in hand to prevent and solve crime, making our streets and communities safer for everyone. This safety and trust is how we begin to restore the American dream to our younger generations.
How can citizens contribute to good feelings between themselves and police?
I encourage people to read my book to promote understanding of how and why law enforcement takes action in certain cases. It will also give them a clear picture of what they should expect/demand of the actions of their local law enforcement. Citizens can also request from their local agencies to do a ride along with law enforcement to gain first hand information on what law enforcement actually deals with on a daily basis, it is much different that what the national media sends out. When they see law enforcement it would be well received if the citizens thanked law enforcement for their service, further promoting a positive interaction.
What are some initiatives already in place for police and community?
This can vary drastically depending on the jurisdiction. Many agencies are promoting community policing to get exposure to law enforcement in a non-enforcement type encounter. The more we understand each other as people the more harmony with will have. Many agencies are implementing School Resource Officers, Coffee with Cops, and having law enforcement present at civic events to get the citizens more exposure to law enforcement in a positive light. Humane Policing is training law enforcement to relate to the people they serve to give hope and to foster a strong mutually beneficial relationship between law enforcement and the community.
Changing Perspectives,
Darron Spencer
Author/Founder of Humane Policing
For more information on Spencer and his approach to humane policing, please visit www.humanepolicing.com.
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