« Apply for Grants to Meet Current Needs

The Police Department currently has needs that can only be met through funding from successful grant requests. Preparation of these requests should be considered in the near term.

The Takoma Park Police Department's ability to fight crime would be significantly upgraded if its officers could communicate and exchange data in a seamless fashion with neighboring jurisdictions. Upgrading communication systems, links to other crime databases, and squad car radios should be among the highest priorities for the Department. Efforts are already underway to improve interoperability with Montgomery County, but additional significant resources will be required. The Police Department should apply for Department of Justice grants that would contribute to these upgrades in communication systems.

The Department of Justice's National Institutes of Justice (NIJ) maintains a National Crime Laboratory Technology Centers system that provides technical assistance to local law enforcement agencies. Services include technology evaluation and recommendations, forensics assistance on hard to solve cases, expert referrals, and assistance with NIJ grants and funding. The Police Department should consider assigning an officer to be the primary point of contact with NIJ's Centers system to extract as many resources and services as possible.

Takoma Park Police Department officials have identified improved training as one their top priorities because they face situations that are much more challenging and complex than ever before. Yet the makeup of law enforcement makes it difficult for them to receive the kind of training they require. Because of its size, Takoma Park cannot afford to send its officers to a week's worth of training without compromising crime-fighting capabilities. The Police Department should explore advanced distributed learning initiatives being developed by NIJ and the Department of Defense to improve its training capabilities. Emphasis should be placed on COP training, such as development of interpersonal communications skills, conflict resolution, and mediation tactics.