G12.3.1 Community Outreach Function
Chapter: Chapter 12: Crime Prevention Community Outreach and Public Information
Sub-Chapter: 12.3 - Community Involvement
Effective Date: 05/03/2024
Revised Date: 05/03/2024
Rescinds: None
Purpose
To describe the Indiana University Police Department’s (IUPD) commitment to community involvement and meaningful community policing interactions.
General Order
Community engagement is a core component of IUPD’s mission statement. Because the conduct of each employee reflects on the department as a whole, the burden of achieving the department’s community engagement objectives is shared by all personnel through their full participation, enthusiasm and skills. The IUPD is committed to offering opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to interact with our police officers. IUPD officers are problem solvers and use the resources of Indiana University to enhance the quality of life for our constituencies.
Community Outreach Function
Community engagement and partnerships are essential for effective community policing. Each IUPD division will be involved in programmatic activities to advance community engagement and involvement. The primary tasks for community outreach include the following:
- Interacting with existing community organizations or establishing community groups where they are needed (12.3.1 a);
- Explaining the IUPD’s mission, values, objectives, practices, community problems and successes (12.3.1 b);
- Forwarding community input to the appropriate IUPD personnel, University department, or external agency as appropriate (12.3.1 c); and
- Developing community policing and problem-solving strategies as needed (12.3.1 d).
The IUPD’s Community Advisory Boards (CAB) serve as a resource and connection between the IUPD and the communities we serve. Each CAB meets on a regular basis as a transparent way to inform our campus communities of issues, trends, and programs taking place throughout the state.
Although all employees of the IUPD are responsible for promoting positive community involvement, the Engagement and Inclusion Officers (EIOs) coordinate formal community engagement outreach and events. Working collaboratively with their campus community, EIOs enhance current partnerships, build new relationships, and actively participate in campus initiatives and programming to build a sense of community with those we serve. The EIOs disseminate information about formal community engagement opportunities to the staff at their division. The EIO program is overseen by the sergeant for recruitment, retention and community engagement.
All community engagement events will be entered into the Community Engagement Portal within the IUPD application.