Fostering community engagement

Abstract

This case study explores a dynamic process of strategic change involving the New York City Police Department Community Precinct Councils, the advisory structures designed to facilitate engagement between communities and police precincts in neighbourhoods across New York City. The initiative included an active process of agency and precinct council involvement in leadership and police staff dialogues and feedback surveys to explore management and operational issues, new needs and suggestions to increase the vitality and functioning of these important civic bodies. Challenges of engaging in the change process are assessed, with communication and partnerships emerging as central themes.