Compliments or complaints: an evaluation of a community oriented policing practice

Abstract

Purpose This research study evaluates an innovative community-oriented policing program, designed to enhance officer accountability, thereby informing the scholarly community and agency decision-makers. Design/methodology/approach A multi-method approach was employed, leveraging pre- and post-implementation data collection phases. Data were collected via surveys of officers and focus groups with officers, as well as interviews with agency decision-makers. Findings While officers were originally resistant to the STOP Card program, postimplementation perceptions, evinced through both survey and focus group data, were supportive. Agency administrators were consistently supportive of the initiative. Originality/value This is a novel program, implemented by a university police agency set in an urban area. The utility of this and similar efforts may influence agency initiatives.