The police are not interested in community input. It will come as little surprise that this officer's project was unsuccessful. The community did not become active participants. The officer's words and demeanor made it clear to people attending the meeting that they were instruments, not partners. The officer controlled the relationship and determined the agenda.
Police officers learn through training and socialization to stabilize and control situations.
The empowerment process can be very chaotic. Though sometimes painful, this initial lack of direction is a necessary step to empowerment. Community members need to feel their participation is important. Officers may find it difficult to relinquish constraints and embrace more fluid agendas. Until they can, community policing is not possible.