Police officers face a cloudy future as various departments across the country attempt to figure out how to properly manage in 2022. According to the New York Times, the public’s confidence in law enforcement reached a record low. It reveals some of the problems plaguing the profession. How can police regain the goodwill of their communities and find a path forward? Ultimately, it is up to police precincts to formulate a plan of action. The following ideas detail the obstacles police face. Also, it includes how police can reestablish trust within their communities.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is a solution many have proposed to help fix issues. It does provide some promising prospects for the profession. Additionally, tools that acoustically detect gunshots. It can couple with tech that predicts the likely location of an incident. Then, these technologies can benefit AI to provide insights that human police officers would be unable to generate individually.

Fewer Lethal Weapons

Some believe that police precincts should stop possessing and using lethal weapons. A majority of officers never fire their weapons. However, proponents of gun reduction argue that a firearm tends to escalate situations. The public might trust officers who do not carry lethal weapons. However, officers without deadly weapons may be unable to respond effectively in crises. Each precinct should decide whether its weapons policy needs to be revised.

Better Police Recruitment Methods

One of the best ways police departments can improve their reputation is by improving their recruitment efforts. Many departments have minimal requirements for officers’ training, education, and qualifications. In addition to that, it can make the department vulnerable to bad hires. Police precincts should stringently screen every officer candidate. Also, they need to ensure that recruits can psychologically handle the job while physically completing their tasks.

Emphasis on Community Service

Perhaps the most significant struggle facing police departments is the public’s perception of law enforcement as a penal institution. Indeed, many people see police officers as punishers rather than protection. It is a failure of public relations rather than police departments, though. Precincts need to shift their communities’ perception by placing a greater emphasis on community service. Then, it can gradually reinstate the public’s trust and remind citizens that police departments exist to protect and serve. Police officers can host volunteer events or participate in community charities. Additionally, they could partake in assisting the elderly.

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