As our cities continue to expand and evolve, the relationship between municipal departments becomes increasingly complex and interdependent. One of the most critical relationships to cultivate is that between police departments and planning departments. This connection extends beyond mere cooperation; it becomes a vital vein that carries the lifeblood of city management, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and livability of our urban areas.
The importance of this partnership cannot be overstated. As cities plan future developments, both residential and commercial, it is not sufficient to only evaluate the physical infrastructure. The human element, with all its complexities, must be considered. The impact of development on traffic patterns is almost always analyzed in planning processes, however, the implications for staffing, crime rates, and quality of life require the informed input of public safety departments.
Police departments possess a unique perspective, one that allows them to accurately assess how specific developments and initiatives can impact public safety. For instance, in the context of residential developments, police can provide insights into how design can either deter or encourage criminal activity. Well-lit streets, for example, can discourage crime, while buildings with numerous hidden or obscured spaces can inadvertently provide criminals with opportunities to commit illegal activities1.
Similarly, when planning commercial developments, police input can help guide the layout and design to minimize the risk of crime. They can provide suggestions on where to locate entrances and exits, CCTV camera placements, and how to manage traffic flow to optimize emergency response times and maintain public safety2.
Moreover, police departments can aid in predicting the potential strain on their resources that may result from new developments. By being involved in the planning process early on, they can ensure adequate staffing levels and appropriate resource allocation, thus preventing overburdening of their forces and maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in their operations3.
However, the benefits of this partnership are not just one-sided. Planning departments can also gain valuable insights from their interaction with the police. For example, they can tailor their strategies and designs to mitigate potential risks and problems identified by the police, thereby ensuring safer and more livable communities for residents4.
Furthermore, by working closely with police departments, planning departments can better align their initiatives with overall city objectives. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of city management are considered in decision-making processes, leading to more balanced, sustainable, and successful urban developments5.
In conclusion, the need for city planning departments to look beyond the brick and mortar and partner with public safety departments is paramount to a city’s future success and livability. By fostering a strong, cooperative relationship between these departments, cities can ensure that their development plans are not just efficient and sustainable, but also safe and conducive to high quality of life for their residents.
Cozens, Paul, and Terence Love. "A review and current status of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)." Journal of Planning Literature 30, no. 4 (2015): 393-412.
Ekblom, Paul. "Designing products against crime." In Handbook of crime prevention and community safety, pp. 203-244. Willan, 2005.
Garofalo, James, and Susan Hughbanks. "Police staffing and city crime rates: some evidence on the relationship." Journal of Criminal Justice 7, no. 1 (1979): 65-75.
Kelling, George L., and Catherine M. Coles. "Fixing Broken Windows: Restoring Order and Reducing Crime in Our Communities." (1996).
Saville, Gregory, and Gerry Cleveland. "Second-generation CPTED: the rise and fall of opportunity theory." In Handbook of CPTED: Crime prevention through environmental design, pp. 79-90. 1997.