Goal 4 - Problem Solving & Collaboration

The Grand Rapids Police Department recognizes that neighborhood-based problem solving is a collaborative effort that focuses on the dynamics and root causes of crime and neighborhood decay.

We are defining the term problem-solving in a specific way, to show that the goal is to move beyond responding to incidents to solving problems. The plan requires developing problem-solving teams assigned to specific beats, whose officers have the time, opportunity, continuity, training, and support to address chronic, long-term problems. The repeat calls for service for drug houses, domestic violence, and kids out of control remind us that the dynamics that allow these complex problems to persist defy easy answers. The challenge is to enlist everyone who can help, from the code enforcement officer to the school counselor to the minister at the church to area parents. The challenge is to develop a sustained and systemic response, and to build a police department that makes that possible.

Objective 1 - Prevent crime through proactive problem solving to deal with long-term and chronic problems and to improve the overall quality of life.

• Strategy 1 - Train all police employees working in decentralized teams in neighborhood-based problem solving.
  • Milestone 1: The decentralized teams, in collaboration with the Neighborhood Associations, will include the community in problem-solving training, beginning with the pilot project in October 1998.
  • Milestone 2: Train all employees in the other five service areas by April 2000.

• Strategy 2 - Encourage and support employees who develop and implement innovative solutions to problems.
  • Milestone 1: Senior Management will review, assess, and revise promotional policies annually to reward employees who exhibit a commitment to community policing and neighborhood-based problem solving.

• Strategy 3 - Provide problem-solving training and support for citizens, so that concerns are resolved at the neighborhood level.
  • Milestone 1: In addition to the training initiatives discussed above, the Training Bureau will develop a plan for a Citizens’ Academy by March 1999, with launch by June 1999.

Objective 2 - Establish permanent partnerships with other service providers and citizens to enhance neighborhood safety and security.

• Strategy 1 - Identify potential partners among:
  • Community-Oriented Government
    • City Agencies
    • County Agencies (such as Public Health and Community Mental Health)
  • Other Service Providers (such as Youth Commonwealth and drug treatment)
  • Community Criminal Justice
    • Prosecutors
    • Courts/Community Courts
    • Community Corrections/Diversion
    • Probation and Parole Officers
  • Community Institutions
  • Neighborhood Associations
  • Schools
  • Faith Community
  • Hospitals
  • Informal leaders
  • Residents
  • Business Partners (including both small businesses and major corporations)

  • Milestone 1: The Chief, Senior Management, and especially the captain in charge of the collaborational infrastructure will continue identifying potential partners. This group will also develop a plan to disseminate information about the contribution that each group could make to neighborhood-based problem solving, recognizing the new role of the Community Resource Specialist and opportunities to use new technologies to share information inside and outside the department.

• Strategy 2 - Provide physical space for suitable partners, particularly government and human service providers, within the Neighborhood Police Service Centers, to promote close, permanent working partnerships.
  • Milestone 1: Identify potential co-locators from the list above, in accordance with the timetable established for decentralization.

• Strategy 3 - Neighborhood Police Service Centers commanders shall promote the development of opportunities for community groups and citizens to work together with the NPSC teams to solve problems.
  • Milestone 1: Senior Management and Neighborhood Police Service Center commanders shall conduct an annual review and revision of policies, practices, and procedures to remove barriers to neighborhood-based problem solving.

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