Step One:SCANNING

· Brainstorm a laundry list of community concerns.

· Which fits the definition of a “problem?”

· Prioritize the actual “problems.”

· State the one “problem” the group wishes to address.

Step Two:ANALYSIS

· Where does the problem occur?

· When does the problem occur?

· What conditions or event preceded the problem?

· What conditions or events accompany the problem?

· What harm results from the problem?

· What has been done in the past?

· Who do we need at the table to solve the problem?

· State the best guess of the group as to why this is happening.

Step Three:RESPONSE

· What is your goal in dealing with this problem—eliminate, reduce or deal with the problem more effectively or refer the problem to an appropriate authority.

· Brainstorm possible solutions.

· Consider feasibility—given time, money and resources and choose among alternatives.

· What needs to be done before the plan is implemented?

· Who will be responsible for action?

· Discuss likely consequences with implementing the plan.

· State your plan in writing, who will do what, potential obstacles, what data will be collected to know the plan is working.

Step Four:ASSESSMENT

· Did you achieve the intended outcome?

· Does the plan need to be changed?

· How will you monitor the situation to be sure the “problem” does not come back?

· Write a case study.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is best defined by its parts.It is a process in which the police in partnership with the community:

· Identify neighborhood crime, disorder and fear problems

· Understand the conditions that give rise to these problems

· Develop and implement short and long term solutions tailored to the problem

· Determine the solution’s impact on the problem

What is a Problem?

Two or more incidents of a similar nature, capable of causing harm about which the public expects the police to do something.

How are the Incidents Related?

Location, Suspect, Victim Group, Behavior, Time, Evidence

Levels of Problem Solving

Simple—Individual

Moderate—by Small Groups or a Team

Complex—by Organizational Collaboration

Legitimate Expectations of Problem Solving

Eliminate the Problem

Reduce the Harm from the Problem

Reduce the Number of Incidents

Improve the Management of the Problem

Refer the Problem to the Proper Authority