Community Engagement through Cultural Competency

Several controversial incidents across the United States involving law enforcement have raised the ire of segments of U.S. communities and shaken the trust some citizens have in their public safety officers. Several strategies are currently being employed to address misperception, share the facts, and restore trust. These strategies include timely dissemination of factual information, enhancing community-oriented policing initiatives, and integrating best practices in law enforcement patrol operations. Consideration should also be given to encouraging community engagement through the development of cultural competency among agency law enforcement personnel.