The SmartForce® Team
SmartForce Technologies Inc.
Data has become critical in modern-day policing and can no longer be ignored. The title of this blog, “Evidence for Change,” highlights the need for a shift in how we collect, analyze, and share stop-and-contact data. This data consists of information from police-community interactions and can potentially transform policing practices.
The Need for Change
While everyone agrees on the importance of comprehensive data, it is critical to standardize the methods for collecting and interpreting data. Research, such as the study by Pierson et al., demonstrates the challenges and complexities involved. It is difficult to confirm or disprove disparities in traffic stop data due to the lack of a single science-based analysis method. This ambiguity underscores the need for change.
The Power of Data
Data is not just a collection of numbers but rather a story waiting to be told. Stop-and-contact data can uncover patterns and trends that may go unnoticed, answering questions like, “Do traffic stops disproportionately affect specific communities? Are there disparities in outcomes based on race or ethnicity?” However, the true potential of this data can only be realized if it is gathered accurately, comprehensively, and analyzed effectively.
In addition to its community impact, this data can improve officers’ well-being. The types of contacts officers engage in directly impact their mental and physical health. Exposure to high-risk situations and certain types of contact, such as domestic disputes, violent crimes, and overdoses, can lead to officer fatigue and stress. This nuanced data can provide invaluable insights for agencies to tailor their wellness programs to their officers’ needs.
Moreover, the knowledge gained from this data can be utilized to inform officer training programs better. Understanding the situations that officers frequently encounter allows for more targeted training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to handle these scenarios effectively and safely.
What Leaders Can Do Now
Instead of reacting to state legislation mandating stop-and-contact data collection and reporting, the policing profession must take the lead in adopting standardized data collection and analysis procedures. Transparency is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Sharing these insights with the community fosters trust and invites public scrutiny, which is essential for accountability. Collecting data is only one piece of the puzzle. It is important for police leaders to understand what the data means as it relates to how they are serving their communities. The day will come when someone outside your agency, whether the media or a community group, will tell their version of a story based on data. Collecting, analyzing, and understanding your agency’s data will ensure you can share the real story with your community and team members.
The Role of Community Dialogue and Earning Trust
Sharing data insights opens the door for a deeper dialogue about policing practices and their impact on the community. It allows for a more nuanced discussion that goes beyond surface-level statistics. This dialogue is crucial for meaningfully interpreting the data and shaping effective policies. In any relationship, open communication and transparency are a must in order to earn trust. This applies to the relationship that exists between police agencies and the communities they serve.
Conclusion
The complexities of stop-and-contact data collection and analysis are undeniable but not insurmountable. By adopting a multi-faceted approach to data collection, ensuring transparency, and engaging the community in dialogue, we can pave the way for better-informed policing practices. The evidence for change is clear; it’s time we act on it.
Authored by Chief Jack Cauley, Castle Rock, Colorado Police Department, in collaboration with the team at SmartForce®.
Note: The Castle Rock Police Department utilizes CitizenContact, a product of SmartForce, to collect, report, and analyze their stop and contact data. This collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding and application of data-driven approaches in law enforcement. Contact us to learn more.
