Training for Police and the Community

Training was one of the most important steps toward making problem solving the operative model for police and the community. All Chicago police officers with district assignments went through problem-solving training during the spring of 1995. Police training was held Mondays through Saturdays, and officers were trained during their regular watch. Training sessions usually were taught by a team consisting of two officers and a sergeant Trainers had instructional videos, posters, exercise booklets, handouts, flip charts and overheads. The city&s;s problem-solving model was predicated on the idea that die views of neighborhood residents would play an important role in shaping beat teams&s; action plans, and that officers would respect the community&s;s priorities when setting their own. The problem-solving philosophy advocates encouraging officers to be creative and act autonomously, based on their understanding of local needs. Chicago&s;s commitment to resident training was one of the early distinguishing features of its problem-solving program.