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 Principles of Policing

These are the principles by which we will police the Village of Lincolnwood. The policing strategy we use must preserve and advance democratic values. All societies must have a system for maintaining order.  In the United States, police officers must not only maintain order, they must do so in a manner consistent with our democratic form of government.  Therefore, it is incumbent that we operate in such a manner that not only preserves, but also advances, the democratic values of our country.

The Lincolnwood Police Department will utilize the community policing strategy in performing its mission. Community policing is a strategy which is based on the following concepts:

The purpose of community policing is to aggressively prevent crime and disorder.

The line officer must be empowered with greater freedom to make decisions about what is to be done, and how he or she will do it, in order to contribute to the overall objectives of the department.

Problem-oriented policing is a necessary component of community policing.

The police are accountable to the community for their actions.

Community policing relies on the establishment of a clear, unambiguous link of values to behaviors.

The overall purpose of the police is to prevent crime, enforce the law, maintain order, resolve conflict, and perform public service and safety activities.

It is better to prevent a crime than to put the resources of the Department into motion after a crime has been committed.

We must continue to vigorously seek those who commit serious crimes.

We must strive to maintain that degree of public order which is consistent with freedom, and which is essential if our diverse society is to be preserved.

We can increase police effectiveness by attacking the underlying problems that give rise to incidents requiring police action.

We will continue to respond to the various public service and safety needs of the community.

Crime prevention is our primary goal.

Preventing crime is the most effective way to create a safe environment.  This not only results in an improved quality of life for our citizens, but also a reduction in the fear that is generated by both the reality and perception of crime.

The input of our members in matters which impact job satisfaction must be sought.

We, as employees, are our Department's most valuable asset.

The community must have input into decisions which directly impact the quality of community life.  We believe the police and community can work closely together in new ways to solve the problems of crime and disorder.

Not only do law-abiding people in the community deserve input into the police process in exchange for their participation and support, but also the majority of residents of any community are not only law-abiding, but also law-assisting.