Policy Text
Deterrence of crime requires investigation of behavior, which reasonably appears
to be criminally directed. In deploying patrol forces to inspire public confidence
in the Department’s ability to ensure a peaceful environment, balance must be
struck between the desirable deterrent effect of visible patrol and the undesirable
appearance of oppression.
2. Apprehension of offenders: The administration of criminal justice consists of
identification, arrest, prosecution, punishment, and rehabilitation of the violator;
the objective of which is voluntary compliance with the law. Once a crime has
been committed, the duty of the Department is to initiate the criminal justice
process by identifying and arresting the perpetrator, to obtain necessary evidence,
and to cooperate in prosecution of the case.
3. Public service: Often, because there are no other public or private agencies
available, the public relies upon the police for assistance and advice in many
routine and emergency situations. Saving lives, aiding the injured, locating lost
persons, keeping the peace, and providing for many other miscellaneous needs are
basic services provided by the Department.
C. Resource objectives:
1. Departmental personnel: Police officers are frequently required to make decisions
affecting human life and liberty with no opportunity to seek advice and little time
to weigh alternatives. Law enforcement requires an officer have the stamina,
intelligence, moral courage, and emotional stability necessary to deal with human
beings fairly and impartially. To obtain the caliber of personnel necessary for
professional law enforcement, it is essential the Department aggressively pursue a
program of utilizing proven selection tools which are most predictive of future
performance and consistent with the Department’s desire to be representative of
the population.
2. Utilization of resources: Law enforcement is one of the most expensive and
complex services provided by the City, the quality and extent of which are limited
only by available resources. To ensure that the highest level of service is
provided, the Department must make use of the most efficient management and
budgeting techniques available.