We talked about what we could do if we had no barriers, like money or politics. What emerged was a new vision of a police department that would be accountable to the community, and police officers who were skilled in communication and problem-solving. The group came up with a list of words describing the ideal police officer. But policing is about problem-solving.
Women see they can get a lot done using the skills they tend to excel in.
The participants also strongly emphasized the idea that police officers must listen to what the community needs, and be accountable for those needs. They think they are above the law, and they know what s best. That s why the concept of community policing was developed. But the think-tank participants go farther not only do we need to bring the community in, but we need to be accountable to the community. It s the way they do policing.