Galveston Police Department Communications

Community Oriented Policing is a philosophy and organizational strategy based oncustomer service and clear, effective communication, which in turn facilitates a problem solving process that deals with the conditions that create problems.

The Galveston Police Department has adopted Community Oriented Policing as its operational philosophy. The concept of Community Oriented Policing is frequently utilized by some police agencies as a program, rather than a department wide philosophy. That is not the case in Galveston, where every officer is required to actively engage in the application of Community Oriented Policing principles. However, to truly work, Community Oriented Policing is dependant upon the citizens of a community recognizing and accepting their role in successfully achieving the potential of this working philosophy.

Community Oriented Policing is a recognition that the citizens of a community have a role and a responsibility in making the community safe and peaceful and protecting its welfare. Both police and citizens have had to admit that the police are not the complete answer. Shear numbers alone should have told us otherwise.

This does not mean that every citizen should arm themselves and begin making arrests. Police are trained and equipped to perform most duties in a manner that protects the safety of all concerned, but citizens can and should play a vital role in enhancing the security of their community by getting involved. This would include reporting crimes and suspicious activities, even when not directly involved; being proactive in securing homes and property; not tolerating circumstances that breed criminal conduct; reporting such conduct and being a constructive part of their resolution; actively assisting police, when appropriate, in finding lasting solutions to root problems that contribute to crime. In other words, helping the police treat the disease, not just its symptoms.

Community Oriented Policing utilizes the best of the Crime Fighting Model and combines it with the best of law enforcement's original mission. Working as partners, the Galveston Police and our citizens can build a better, safer environment for all of our residents.