What are the foundational goals of a police department's strategic plan?

The foundational goals of a police department's strategic plan focus on establishing priorities and allocating resources in an effective manner. A strategic plan serves as a roadmap for the department, helping to identify key areas of focus and the necessary resources required to meet those goals. This process involves assessing community needs, crime trends, and departmental capabilities, allowing law enforcement agencies to prioritize their initiatives in a way that most effectively enhances public safety.

The ability to allocate resources effectively is crucial for maximizing the impact of policing efforts, ensuring that personnel, funding, and equipment are directed towards the most pressing issues faced by the community. This strategic framework also allows for measurable objectives to be set, enabling the department to track progress and make adjustments as needed.

While increasing arrests, improving public relations, or expanding jurisdiction may be important aspects of law enforcement work, they are not foundational goals of the strategic planning process. Instead, they might be outcomes or specific initiatives that emerge from a well-structured strategic plan intended to address broader priorities identified through careful analysis and community engagement.