To commemorate the 30th anniversary of its creation, the COPS Office invited community members, police leaders, public safety research, and civil rights advocates to contemplate the next 30 years in American policing.

This publication compiles essays from contributors of various ranks within law enforcement, as well as researchers and civil rights leaders, all of whom touch on one or more principles of community policing (organisational changes, problem-solving, or partnerships) and give varied but ultimately optimistic predictions for the future.

As they reflect on the 30 years of work and influence of the COPS Office, they study where law enforcement is headed, especially with a desire to continue supporting the communities they serve.

Collaborators discussed topics such as technology, community involvement, crime reduction, approaches, training, accountability, and transparency. Some of the collaborators imagined drastic changes in the future, while others foresaw more subtle improvements to policing.

Most reflections on the future converged on the importance of technology and the need to adopt policies and procedures that balance privacy and responsibility. And regarding the principles of community policing, topics such as organisational changes, problem-solving, and partnerships were addressed.

Problem-solving techniques and strategies should be integrated with evidence-based practices. Data identification, collection, cleaning, and analysis should be part of the techniques and strategies employed.

Among the collaborators are teachers, community leaders, or retired police chiefs, among others. For example, Office Manager Barney Malekian speaks about improving by changing approaches and enhancing the role of communication centres, while professors Tamara Herold and Jerry Ratcliffe emphasise the need for evidence-based approaches.

Retired police chief Billy Grogan and founder of the Future Policing Institute, Jim Bueermann, contrast problem-solving approaches in law enforcement with the use of technology. Meanwhile, executive Mark Hackel discusses a problem-solving approach to addressing people with mental illness.

Meaningful associations and relationships are fundamental to law enforcement. Collaboration should include all stakeholders from the community and be active, sustained by regular communication and commitment.

The Director of the Arizona Department of Public Security, Jeffrey Glover, explains the value of collaborations and building trust to address the complexity of society.

From the COPS Office, we invite you to join this exploration journey of where policing could be in the next 30 years, categorising the themes into problem-solving, partnerships, and organisational transformation.

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