Community policing can be an effective way to improve relations between your department and the people you serve on a daily basis. This type of policing emphasizes working within local areas to address problems quickly. It ensures that residents feel like they have a genuine connection and friendly relationship with their local law enforcement.
Studies have shown that community policing can improve trust and give people a more positive perception of their local officers. But which products can departments use to help them implement this type of policing? In this article, we’ll explain how RADAR speed displays can be a vital tool for carrying out a good community policing strategy.
Faster Responses To Issues In The Community
If a department is receiving frequent calls about a road or area with a recurring issue of drivers breaking the speed limit, acting quickly to put measures in place to solve the problem is vital. This ensures that the community feels like its local department is looking out for them.
Stationing officers in the area 24 hours a day is not possible, but departments can fit a PMD 10 & 12 portable RADAR display to a pole or street light. This would remind drivers of the speed limit and also provide additional information if fitted with the ‘School Zone’ or ‘WORK ZONE’ sign options. The rechargeable battery can last up to seven days, meaning that the community can feel safe and protected throughout the week.
The ability to deploy this piece of equipment quickly and easily means that it can be integrated into a wider community policing strategy. Residents could speak to the police about persistent speed issues and then see a solution to their problem implemented immediately once one of these displays is quickly fitted.
Freeing Up Officer Time
A recent study revealed that 86% of police officers say that their department does not have enough staff to adequately police the community. Using technology solutions that help them achieve results more quickly could give departments the time they need to work directly with their communities.
The SMART 12, SMART 18, and SMART 18 HP+ speed RADAR trailers can be an excellent tool for police departments who are looking to increase efficiency. As well as making drivers more aware of speed limits in a particular area, this trailer also collects traffic statistics with the SMARTstat™ analysis software. Alternatively, implement the StealthStat II covert traffic data collection device on its own.
By harnessing this data, departments can deploy patrol officers more effectively to deal with speed issues, therefore freeing up their schedules to dedicate more of the day towards spending time with their local community. Stay one step ahead of speed violators by utilizing data analysis technology that allows you to confidently send out patrols, safe in the knowledge that their time will be well spent.
Offering Greater Value To Your Community
Ultimately, a key cornerstone of delivering good quality community policing is offering tangible results to those living in the area. Making their neighborhoods safer will help to reinforce a positive view of law enforcement.
26% of traffic fatalities are speeding-related and over 25 people a day die in speed-related accidents. Using RADAR speed displays can therefore really show that your department cares.
Also, why not use it as an opportunity to involve your community in your broader traffic strategy? Talk with them about your plans to increase road safety and find out where they think the speed displays should be placed. It’s a great way to find out what issues there are in your area from a local’s perspective whilst also building a positive relationship.