Building trust and nurturing legitimacy on both sides of the police/citizen divide is the foundational principle underlying the nature of relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Research and practice demonstrate that people are more likely to obey the law when they believe that those who are enforcing it have authority that is perceived as legitimate by those subject to the authority.
The public confers legitimacy only on those whom they believe are acting in procedurally just ways. It is reinforced through a law enforcement culture that embraces a mindset centered on building trust and legitimacy both within agencies and with the public. Transparency, accountability, proactive engagement, tracking of progress, and a workforce reflective of the community are hallmarks of these efforts.
Examples of the ways the Chelmsford Police Department works to build trust and legitimacy in our community:
- Outreach events like Coffee with A Cop, Toys for Tots, Youth Police Academy, Chelmsford Police Athletic League, Learn to Skate, Mock Crash, Hate Crime/ Hate Incidents Community Forum, Security Surveys, High Five Fridays, Veterans Breakfasts, Trunk or Treat, Cop for Kids with Cancer, Wreaths Across America, Community Read-In and various community education programs taught by our officers.
- Department policies support the elements of trust and legitimacy by valuing the sanctity of life and thoughtful attention to use-of-force strategies, which are reinforced through training and reporting.
- Procedural justice and bias awareness training is provided to department members.
- All use-of-force incidents are reviewed by multiple members of the police department’s command staff.
- Extensive training and support are provided to officers and dispatchers in the area of crisis intervention training, as well as the operation of a crisis negotiator team that involves members from both groups.
- The language line is used, by both officers and dispatchers, to ensure service delivery to everyone regardless of the language spoken.
- The department participates in the Chelmsford Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee with input from officers.
- The department partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Prescription Drug Diversion Coordinators and hosts multiple prescription take-back days.