Community Policing

Community Policing

ICITAP provides technical assistance and training that helps countries build positive police and community relationships. ICITAP's work in community policing guides law enforcement officials in creating partnerships and performing community outreach that serves the safety and security needs of their citizens. These programs include:

• Community problem-solving partnerships and crime prevention models
• Use-of-force standards
• Equal treatment standards
• Media relations programs
• Gender-based violence prevention programs

Programs

Here are a few examples of ICITAP's work in promoting community policing around the globe:

Gender-Based Violence Prevention in Africa

In partnership with its sister organization OPDAT (the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training), ICITAP works with the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. embassies in Benin, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa on the Women's Justice and Empowerment Initiative, which is helping nations improve their capacity to investigate and prosecute gender-based violence.

Crime Prevention in Kosovo

Through a bilateral agreement with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), ICITAP developed a comprehensive, nationwide community safety strategy for Kosovo. The strategy led to the development of community safety teams (CSATs) comprised of police officers, municipal officials, and community leaders. The CSATs are reducing crime and increasing safety in the region.

Sustainable Training Model in Macedonia

In another partnership with the OSCE, and with the United Kingdom, ICITAP implemented an innovative nationwide community policing training program in Macedonia. The curriculum was adapted to the local context, broken into modules to facilitate self-paced learning, and translated into the local language. Officers went through the learning modules at their own pace, with mentoring and testing provided in the initial stages by ICITAP advisors. Very quickly, ICITAP assisted the local police in taking over and sustaining the training program on their own.

Bicycle Patrols in Nigeria

In Nigeria, ICITAP worked with the national police force to improve its visibility and acceptance in various communities. One aspect of the program was training in bicycle patrol techniques. The project was then expanded after a regional governor donated additional bicycles to support the community policing effort.