As law enforcement leaders, we understand that there are many benefits to a strong and trusting partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Some of the many benefits are reducing crime, enhancing community safety, and building legitimacy.

In order for law enforcement to be truly effective, police agencies cannot operate alone; they must have the active support and assistance of all segments of the community, schools, faith-based organizations, civic groups, and others. Support can only be achieved if law enforcement is actively engaged with its community in a trusting, open, and transparent manner. This proactive engagement is particularly important with those facets of the community that tend to trust the police the least.