Around the world, there are hundreds of different police forces and policing styles. While countries vary in the approach they take to keeping their citizens safe, there are numerous lessons the world could teach America about policing. From various policies and laws, to varied methods of training and disciplinary action, many nations have found ways to police more successfully and compassionately than in the US.
Engaging Community
Policing starts with a connection between law enforcement personnel and the community they are charged with protecting. Several countries have enacted programs to increase positive contact between police and citizens in both rural and urban areas.
England (Scotland and Wales)
In England, Scotland, and Wales, police forces have long been active in engaging with local communities through beer festivals, swimming events and leisure activities, which are paid for by the police. Police officers also use their leisure time to interact with citizens and community groups.
Germany
In Germany, many police officers are assigned to a particular neighborhood or community for at least two years. This helps them build relationships and trust, become familiar with their neighborhood, and identify local problems.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, police officers focus on improving relations with citizens through problem-solving. This includes preventative measures, such as patrolling specific areas more often, and being present in areas frequented by troublemakers.
Training and Recruiting
As police forces around the world continue to reflect their nations’ diversifying populations, the way they recruit and train officers has been changing. Many countries are hiring officers that reflect the community they’re policing, while also emphasizing de-escalation tactics and anxiety prevention.
Australia
In Australia, police officers undergo six months of training with an emphasis on police-community relations, as well as officer safety, health and welfare. Officers are also taught to de-escalate conflicts and develop communication skills.
France
France has recently begun recruiting more police from different racial and cultural groups, so their police force is more representative of their population. They also place a strong emphasis on communication and de-escalation.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, police officers are required to take courses in psychology to understand the effects of trauma, stress, and anxiety on their work. They also receive empathy training to ensure a more humanistic approach to policing.
Canada
In Canada, police officers are trained in de-escalation and mental health first aid. They also practice ethical decision making and receive specialized training in cultural sensitivity and diversity.
Policing Policies
The policies and laws in place to guide a country’s policing efforts can also have a significant impact on how effective they are. Many countries have developed different approaches to law enforcement, some of which have been adopted in countries like the US.
Sweden
In Sweden, law enforcement is focused on keeping the peace rather than enforcing laws. Police are more likely to use social work methods, such as counseling and mediation, than traditional forms of punishment.
Finland
In Finland, police officer training focuses on building relationships with citizens and improving communication. They are trained in de-escalation techniques and how to defuse tense situations.
Denmark
In Denmark, there is an emphasis on understanding the needs of the population being policed. This means police efforts are focused on preventing conflicts, rather than responding to them after the fact.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, police officers are subject to greater accountability and are discouraged from using force by law. All officers are required to wear body cameras to monitor their actions and be held responsible for their behavior.
Discipline
It’s also important to take disciplinary action when necessary to ensure that police personnel are held accountable. As these measures are often seen as a reflection of a nation’s values and as an indicator of public safety, countries all around the world have found various ways to respond to officer misconduct.
Israel
In Israel, police misconduct can result in criminal prosecution and the immediate suspension of the officer involved. The police department also has an internal oversight board that conducts independent investigations into all police-related shootings.
Belgium
In Belgium, the federal police department is required to investigate any officer-involved deaths. Disciplinary action can include public apologies, and police officers found guilty of misconduct can face criminal charges.
South Korea
In South Korea, police officers who are found guilty of misconduct are subject to severe punishment. This can range from dismissal to jail time.
The world clearly has much to teach America about policing. From learning to engage with local communities more effectively, to increasing training in de-escalation, diversity, and mental health awareness and providing more effective discipline and oversight, there are many lessons other countries around the world have to offer. Doing so could drastically improve the effectiveness and trustworthiness of American law enforcement and help keep their citizens safe.
