A plan should be developed for an ongoing exchange of information between departments. Work Cooperatively to Plan Solutions Community Oriented Policing in Takoma Park should use creative problem solving as a key ingredient. In many cases this will require expertise and services outside of the Police Department. Although the Police Department can identify potential crime problems and formulate plans to prevent the criminal activity, all City Departments must work cooperatively in implementing the plans for COP to be successful. Based on Takoma Park's history in using COP, many of the best plans for circumventing crime use a citizen development strategy.
Youth programs offer an alternative outlet for young people.
Educational programs help people overcome limitations, giving them alternatives to crime. Other programs provide similar beneficial development opportunities for our residents. Currently, the City Departments work together on many programs. This collaborative approach should be strengthened and expanded to include public safety goals. For example, the Police Department must expand their cooperative work with the Recreation Department to identify potentially beneficial programs that can fill specific needs of our City's youth.