Course Overview

Course Description

This course looks at best practices regarding how individuals in law enforcement engage both broadly with the community and with key stakeholders. This course specifically zeros in on these aspects of communication in the modern climate of increased transparency and collaboration. Building from real case studies, students will complete this course with an understanding of how to appropriately position their agencies in the national dialogue about policing in the contemporary climate, being leaders in a progressing industry, and what it means to be a changemaker in the field of policing.

Course Highlights:

  • The course features a project in which students work from the model of a real, successful agency’s community policing report. Working on the project during each module, the report brings to light both the existing and aspirational programs the students’ agencies are involved in to meaningfully engage the community. Hypothetical reports about agencies can be created if students are not able to write about their own agencies. Past students have been able to hand their projects to their superiors and use them in their agencies.

Student Comments

“Best Practices in Community Engagement is vital for any police executive to understand. Using the 21st Century Policing Report, this class allows combining current and future community engagement programs in your department.”
-Summer ’24 Student

“The class was phenomenal and classmates were superb when exchanging information.”
-Summer ’24 Student

“This is a very relevant and educational course. All topics are current and have contributed to my increased knowledge of the profession.”
-Summer ’24 Student

“This course was outstanding! It not only challenged me but also facilitated me taking a deep dive into the work my department is doing regarding community engagement and some best practices that we should consider for the future. After completing my community engagement project, I not only feel accomplished but also proud of what I was able to put together. I’ve never done anything like this before.
-Summer ’24 Student

“The structure of this course was outstanding. I attended the POST train the trainer Procedural Justice course, read various articles about the 21st Century Policing program and quote much of the information in the report. However, this class took that knowledge to a different level by breaking down each pillar, discussing it and writing research papers about each. This was one of the most useful courses I have taken as a leader.”
-Summer ’24 Student

“Wow! – During this course, I had multiple challenges with work and other obligations. The information provided to me and the understanding by my professors was the most significant contributor to my learning. In addition to the information provided, which will be helpful within my agency, I learned that there are still people who have a heart for the human experience (even unprompted at times when they have no idea it is so needed…. an almost indescribable experience)”
-Fall ’22 Student

“The final project was very practical. I have been asked by my Chief to share the project so we can implement something similar for the department.”
-Fall ’22 Student

“The course project was incredibly valuable to me. I always yearned to know more about the 6 pillars in the Final Report on 21st Century Policing. A course like this was perfect to really dive into such a deep document and apply it to our own agencies.”
-Fall ’22 Student

“This entire course had practical value. The six pillars this course covers is one of the biggest set of standards police organizations are currently being graded against. In addition, I cannot say enough good things about my professor, and the time he took to provide additional guidance/encouragement throughout this course.”
-Fall ’22 Student

“The course contributed most in how to put a document together to present to the public. In law enforcement, we are so used to just reading case law, policies & procedures. This course makes readers visually more attracted to the material. The material is also more appealing to the eye before you read the documents.”
-Spring ’21 Student

“This course was outstanding and very relevant to my current position. I am very impressed with the material and presentations being up to date and real world. I wish all law enforcement leaders and aspiring leaders had the opportunity to be exposed to this course material.”
-Spring ’21 Student

“Knowing this program is very contemporary, I want to share how well this course was designed. The course allowed us to use our own police department and highlight the good work and future goals related to 21st Century Policing Pillars. Having Arlington PD’s annual report to review was a great help as well. This has been my favorite course within the program.”
-Summer ’19 Student

“I found this course to be very beneficial. It requires us to think about multiple challenges and topics which should be considered when building strong community relationships. This entire program has been great.”
-Summer ’19 Student

“This course dramatically expanded my appreciation and knowledge of many aspects of community engagement.”
-Summer ’19 Student

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