Policy Text
Policy
431Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCommunity Problem Solving - 1Community Problem Solving
431.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Garden Grove Police Department recognizes that the quality of life and reduction of crime are
equally dependent upon the problem-solving methods of department personnel and concerned
community members. This policy discusses the S.A.R.A. problem-solving method and the roles
of involved persons, including the recognition and reward for initiative in Community Policing
problem-solving. It also establishes a formal and informal system to document the problem-solving
efforts of department and community members.
431.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the police department that problems being addressed by members will receive
appropriate priority and resources to resolve tasks in an efficient manner. It is also the policy of
the department that members addressing Formal problems within the S.A.R.A. methodology will
receive commendation for notable initiative.
431.3 FORMAL PROBLEM SOLVING PROCEDURES
Department personnel will utilize the Community Policing Problem-Solving Workbook when
conducting Formal problem-solving. The Formal problem-solving method should be considered
when addressing a community or neighborhood problem that will require a significant amount
of the officer's time or a formal commitment by the police department and community members
to address a problem. Generally, Formal problem-solving will involve an organized and agreed
upon effort by community members and the police. Department personnel involved in Formal
problem-solving will use the Community Policing Partnership Agreement form in the Community
Policing Problem-Solving Workbook. When necessary, department personnel shall provide a
memorandum along with the workbook to provide documentation of the problem-solving project.
Once the workbook has been completed, it shall be filed with the appropriate Community Policing
Bureau's Division Commander. The initiating officer shall also ensure copies are provided to the
Crime Analysis Unit and the Crime Prevention Unit.
431.4 S.A.R.A. PROBLEM SOLVING PROCEDURES
S.A.R.A. problem-solving is an effective methodology for addressing problems in general. It is
also a tool for facilitating interaction with community members. Department members will be
expected to participate in problem-solving partnerships. To this end, the S.A.R.A. Problem-Solving
Workbook is an aid to help an officer develop and implement a solution in partnership with the
community. In turn, the partnership becomes accountable for the Plan of Action and results.
S.A.R.A. is an acronym for Survey, Analysis, Response, and Assessment.
Survey as many concerned individuals as appropriate in order to capture community perceptions
and identify the problem.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Community Problem Solving
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCommunity Problem Solving - 2Analyze the problem to determine accurately its underlying causes, persons involved, and current
responses to the problem. It is strongly encouraged that this analysis be completed using input
from a forum of concerned citizens.
Respond to the problem based on a Plan of Action. This plan should be developed with input from
the forum of concerned citizens. The Plan of Action should be documented with a Partnership
Agreement if a partnership of resources occurred.
Assess the solution. By completing the Assessment Form, officers assess the response or Plan
of Action and provide a resource for future members who may look for input to solve a similar
problem. As with the preceding components of S.A.R.A., officers are encouraged to involve
concerned citizens to assure satisfaction was achieved.
431.5 MANAGER'S ROLE
The Division Commander is expected to create a work environment where employees are
encouraged to participate in problem-solving. Additionally, Division Commanders must ensure
that their bureau members are appropriately recognized for their initiative in problem-solving. All
projects involving a Partnership Agreement should receive a written commendation.
The immediate supervisor will be expected to assist in a problem-solving project to the degree
necessary and practical to complete the project. Any member having difficulties with a project
can contact the Crime Analysis Unit or the Problem Analysis Advisory Committee (P.A.A.C.) for
assistance. The immediate supervisor will also be expected to commend members who facilitate
a notable problem-solving project. A S.A.R.A. project involving a Partnership Agreement will be
considered a noteworthy project and should receive a written commendation.
The Crime Analysis Unit will maintain a library of all formal problem-solving projects from the
department and community groups which involve a Partnership Agreement. This will allow
department members and community members to develop a resource library.