Strategy #17
Demographic Change
React to current community demands and prepare for expected
demographic changes in the community.
Background
Demographic data may reveal an aging population, a population that is changing ethnically, or one that is stratified by economics. Additionally, continued urbanization and the decline of rural populations will be a factor. An aging population may commit fewer violent crimes, but the denser urban populations may offset this decrease. Aging populations require more services in relation to traffic and pedestrian issues, while urban density may increase crash rates. As community make-up changes, so should the department.
Actions
- Acquire and maintain a current demographic picture of the community served and provide regular briefings to ensure understanding. Keep personnel apprised of changes.
- Acquire and consider demographic forecasts.
- Integrate a demographic picture of the community and agency into policy and command planning.
- Integrate a community and agency demographic picture into training for all personnel.
- Develop in-house programs that enhance relations between the different groups within the agency.
Benefits
- Provides an important basis for proactive planning and projections by the agency and governing body.
- Assists personnel in understanding and dealing with incidents as they unfold.
- Helps the agency make effective changes in departmental policy and objectives.
- Reduces complaints and related problems based upon cultural and ethnic issues.
- Improves relations within the agency, decreases stress, and enhances accomplishment of objectives.
Other Considerations
- Public concern over law enforcement collection of demographic data.
- Possible complaints of favoritism.
- Training and recruiting costs.