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This initiative, made available to law enforcement agencies in Mexico, is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Mérida Initiative, with additional training and technical assistance provided by the National Police Foundation.

There are currently more than 75 state, municipal, and federal public safety agencies pursuing or maintaining CALEA accreditation in Mexico, including police departments, public safety training academies, public safety communication centers, and as of October 2019, Mexico’s first public safety investigative agency. In November of 2018, CALEA inaugurated its first accreditation hearing in Mexico City.

Public safety leaders in Mexico continue to demonstrate commitment to achieving CALEA Accreditation and heightened professionalism through participation in focus groups, workshops and events offered in the country.  This commitment was showcased during the National Police Foundation’s Best Practices in CALEA Accreditation event held in Mexico City September 23^rd-24^th, 2019, where over 100 public safety officials representing a majority of the states in Mexico attended the event to receive training in accreditation best practices, listen to personal accounts from fellow attendees, and learn from speeches given by CALEA and Police Foundation leadership.

The National Police Foundation serves 64 Mexican public safety agencies, including 25 training academies, 21 law enforcement agencies, 17 communication centers, and one state investigative agency.

Background:

The Mérida Initiative is a bilateral security cooperation agreement between Mexico and the United States of America. Through nearly ten years of implementation, the Mérida Initiative has led to greater cooperation between the United States and Mexico. It provides tangible support to Mexico’s law enforcement and judicial institutions, strengthens border security, and helps to counteract the activities of transnational criminal organizations and the illegal trade in narcotics. To date, through the Mérida Initiative the United States has delivered USD 1.8 billion in equipment, training, and capacity building assistance to the government of Mexico.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as an independent, not-for-profit credentialing authority. The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Programs is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence. This accreditation program provides public safety agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of professional standards based on industry best practices and approved by an all-volunteer board of commissioners.

The National Police Foundation is a U.S.-based, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing policing through innovation and science. For nearly 50 years, the National Police Foundation has conducted research on all aspects of policing, provided training and technical assistance in all aspects of policing, and has led the way in promoting and sharing evidence-based practices and innovation among law enforcement in the U.S. and internationally. For more information on the National Police Foundation, please visit www.policefoundation.orgor www.fundacionpolicia.org.mx. For media inquiries, please contact media@policefoundation.org.

The Police Foundation and George Mason University will conduct a randomized control trial to test the idea that stops can be conducted in such a way that reduces crime and that can be implemented effectively, legally, and without alienating the community.

The Police Foundation will also conduct a lab study replication of the findings of a previous study on confidence and accuracy in eyewitness identification using show-ups; a field study testing the same question as part of actual police eyewitness procedures; and a survey of current practices in eyewitness identification that will help update our knowledge of changes in the field related to eyewitness identification practices and the extent to which these are evidence-based.

Both studies will benefit from the experience of the Foundation’s in-house research scientists, who have a long history of conducting scientific experiments to advance policing including studies focused on patrol practices, use of force, shift lengths and crime reduction strategies. For more information on our research see our Project Page and Publications.

This essay introduces futures thinking and discusses how it can be a valuable tool for contemporary police leaders. It starts with an overview of the emergence of futures thinking and a description of how one long-term police chief was able to effectively use this tool during his career. The essay next explains what futures thinking entails and how it can be integrated into strategic planning and decision making.  Finally, several prominent trends of relevance to policing are considered. The intent of the document is to orient the reader to what futures thinking entails and how it can be integrated into the work habits and routines of a police leader to increase her or his efficacy.

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Are you up to speed with the latest on CompStat, Officer Safety & Wellness training, and after-action reviews? If you’re not sure, join the National Police Foundation’s panels of experts (active and retired law enforcement executives, senior program managers, and senior researchers) and get the most up-to-date information. Glean valuable insight from NPF research and programs and learn how you can help your agency succeed and provide superior service to your employees and community. Learn more about NPF panels and workshops at IACP 2019 below.

Panel Discussion: Enhancing the Culture of Officer Safety and Wellness Through Intensive Training and Technical Assistance: A Comprehensive Assessment

Saturday, October 26, 2019
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Room W196b

This workshop will discuss the findings of training research conducted by the National Police Foundation, in partnership with U.S. DOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the VALOR Initiative. The survey findings provide a never-before-seen snapshot of officer safety and wellness training needs and challenges that can help inform future training development and delivery. Participants will also hear from two of three agencies, Alexandria Police Department, VA and Arlington Police Department, TX, that participated in an extensive training and research program—as a component of this work—designed to identify and provide evidence-based, data driven training and technical assistance to enhance and strengthen the culture of officer safety, wellness, and resiliency.

Workshop: Creating a Culture of Learning: Incorporating After-Action Reviews into Your Agency’s Culture

Sunday, October 27, 2019
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Room W190b

Some law enforcement agencies already use critical incident reviews (CIRs), after-action reviews (AARs) and near miss incidents–both internally and from other agencies—to identify training needs and policy or procedure adjustments. Regularly conducting and using these reviews can help to create and instill a culture of learning. Both AARs and reported near misses can help to identify areas on which to focus and improve to effectively respond to future incidents of mass violence or mass demonstrations, and to inform day-to-day officer safety and wellness issues. Through funding from the US Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), the National Police Foundation (NPF) has developed a Guidebook (that will be published by early 2020) and the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Near Miss initiative to move the needle forward on incorporating and instilling a culture of learning, enhancement and evolution in all law enforcement organizations. The Guidebook includes lessons learned from a meta-analysis of 20 recent mass violence and mass demonstration AARs and a step-by-step guide for conducting them. The LEO Near Miss system is a voluntary, non-disciplinary officer safety initiative that allows law enforcement personnel to read about and anonymously share stories of near misses, often referred to as “close calls,” to identify lessons learned that can save officers’ lives. In addition, the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI) has created online training courses on the importance of creating learning environments within law enforcement agencies, conducting AARs and submitting and studying near misses. This workshop will highlight the importance of instilling a culture of learning and conducting AARs in law enforcement agencies, identify some of the key lessons learned from the NPF’s analysis, and provide an overview of the resources available in this area.

Educational Session: Psychological Analysis of Violent Motives

Sunday, October 27
12:30 PM – 1:50 PM
Room W187bc

This presentation is intended for police executives and examines the psychological motives and “whys” behind murders, mass murders, and other violent acts. Violent crime motive analysis based upon more than 500 high-stakes psychological evaluations of violent criminals will be presented, including key principles of threat assessment. Participants can also expect to be primed and exposed to the effects of mass casualty incidents on the law enforcement agencies and officers that respond to these cases. Strategies and policies to support officers during and following the incidents will be examined. Participants will gain information that will assist them in understanding of the psychological dynamics of mass violence and application of such to help prepare officers and agencies. This session will be presented by Dr. David Black, CEO & Chief Psychologist of Cordico, and Dr. Frank Straub, Director of the Center for Mass Violence Response Studies at the National Police Foundation.  

Panel Discussion: CompStat360: Measuring What Matters, the Next Generation of CompStat

Tuesday, October 29, 2019
1:30 PM –  3:00 PM
Room W193

As the adage goes, what gets measured matters. But community metrics—key to ensuring that police respond to community safety needs—are not measured to the same extent as crime. CompStat has proven to be a valuable tool, yet the lack of community measures can impair full adoption of community policing and impede the co-production of public safety. Agency leaders want tools to promote accountability for responding to these problems in ways that support community vitality and safety. CompStat360, a public/private venture, offers an opportunity for police agencies to focus on crime as well as community engagement and organizational effectiveness. This presentation highlights lessons learned from CompStat360 pilot sites and future directions.

Rebecca Neusteter of Vera will facilitate the panel and open with a description of the need to advance CompStat, particularly in light of introducing community and organizational performance indicators. Other panelists will describe the model, its research-informed development, and the current piloting phase. Kristen Mahoney of BJA and Patrick Griffin of MacArthur Foundation will discuss the initiative’s importance, from both public and private funding perspectives. Police executives from several CompStat360 pilot sites, including Chief Johnson (Arlington PD), will speak to their experiences with implementation, including priority identification, problem-solving teams, analytics, benefits and challenges, and more. Dr. Neusteter and Mr. Burch will describe future directions for this project and available resources for the field (e.g., website, fact sheets, webinars, training and technical assistance). The panel will conclude with audience questions.

About the National Police Foundation:
Established in 1970, the National Police Foundation(NPF) is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to improving policing through innovation and science. For nearly 50 years, the Foundation has conducted research on all aspects of policing, including landmark studies on foot patrol and shift length, and is leading the way in promoting and sharing evidence-based practices and innovation among law enforcement. The Foundation is currently working with hundreds of police agencies nationwide, as well as internationally, providing research and translation, training, technical assistance, and modern technology implementation. The Foundation is a leader in officer safety and wellness, community policing, investigations, and law-enforcement technology.

MEXICO CITY, October 1, 2019 — The National Police Foundation recently hosted a Public Safety Best Practices Conference in Mexico City, MX, with the support of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). This conference was attended by Law Enforcement Executives and staff from Mexican state and local agencies pursuing CALEA Accreditation or already CALEA accredited. During the conference, executives discussed how they successfully promoted professionalism and strengthened their agencies through CALEA accreditation. The National Police Foundation, with funding support from the U.S. Department of State, is currently providing technical assistance to over 60 agencies across Mexico, including police departments, training academies, and communications centers, to help them earn CALEA accreditation.

“CALEA accreditation brings many positive changes to agencies and sets the foundation for agencies to build on their professionalism & strengthen their organization,” said Jim Burch, President of the National Police Foundation, during the conference. “We think CALEA accreditation is an important signal for agencies to give to their communities, showing their commitment to pursuing professionalism. They are opening themselves up to an independent body to determine if the agency is meeting international standards through their policies and practices. This will go a long way toward building trust with the community and says a lot about what the agency is trying to achieve.”

The National Police Foundation recently completed a comprehensive needs assessment focused on recruiting and retention of police officers as a foundational step to assessing staffing needs.  The five-month effort produced data-driven findings and recommendations based on department challenges, research evidence, and best practices from across the nation. On September 24, 2019, Chief Brett Meade (ret.), Senior Program Manager, provided a high-level presentation of the report, findings, and recommendations to the Santa Fe Mayor and City Council. For more information, please see the press release below issued by the City.

PRESS RELEASE

City of Santa Fe Releases National Police Foundation Report on Police Department Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities

Department Has Top-Notch Reputation, Faces Staffing, Recruitment and Retention Challenges

SANTA FE, September 19, 2019 – In early 2019 the City of Santa Fe asked the National Police Foundation (NPF) to provide an assessment of pressing personnel and staffing needs, and to make recommendations for how the department could improve recruitment and retention. The City took this proactive step in order to be able to work with unbiased assessments and to improve an already-excellent department.

“Throughout my administration, we have completed a series of assessments and eight audits across the city, as we continue to demonstrate our willingness to improve performance,” said Mayor Webber. “Our collaboration with the Police Foundation to assess our strengths and weaknesses, and to leverage their experience working with other municipalities, allows us to build on the work we have through the signing payments, retention pay, and pay increases.”

“The Foundation brings a wealth of knowledge and having the support and partnership of the Mayor on this has made it a valuable experience,” said Police Chief Andrew Padilla.  “We already have an amazing community that supports our department. The City will continue to offer great benefits and competitive pay, all things we hope will help our recruiting efforts.”

The report includes the following findings and recommendations:

• The SFPD has a reputation as a progressive department that selects excellent recruits and provides them with top-notch training and equipment
• SFPD has a positive relationship with union leadership, and a new contract that provides raises and facilitates recruitment and retention
• Recruitment is a national problem hitting departments across the country; SFPD vacancy rate sits at about 30 vacancies
• Recommending better marketing, faster hiring process, and using civilians in certain positions

“Departments across the country are facing these same issues. Ours was exacerbated by the City of Albuquerque’s dramatic pay increase,” said Mayor Webber. “Some recommendations are easy fixes and others are a little more complex, but we are convinced we’re on the right track.”

“We are a young police department, with new officers, new supervisors and commanders,” said Chief Padilla, “and we are constantly evolving, learning and striving for the best for our police officers, their families and our community.”

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