The most effective public safety strategies are those in which law enforcement and the community they serve stand and act together to enhance the safety of the community through prevention, intervention and enforcement strategies. While identified strategies will be unique to each community, they will be underpinned by community trust and police legitimacy and data informed decision making.

City managers play a critical role in facilitating public safety strategies in their communities by providing resources throughout the entire city organization aimed at enhancing public safety and by creating connections between the police department and community leaders. By facilitating these resources and relationships in coordination with their police departments, city managers help build the capacity of their police departments while also ensuring that the strategies enacted are effective and supported by the broader community.

• Jeff Bladel
• Sarah Ott