Finding Organizational Purpose

Who are we?

What do we stand for?

Finding clarity and consensus on organizational purpose is key to effective, empathetic, and just policing.

Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has sought to understand its purpose in the world—a quest that remains as relevant today as ever. In our increasingly complex and uncertain society, finding clarity of purpose can be especially challenging, particularly for policing.

Over the past 25 years, societal expectations of policing have shifted dramatically. Policing's role has evolved from traditional law enforcement to community problem-solving, safeguarding the homeland, and adapting to calls for reimagining and reinvention. The discourse has ranged from defunding to redefining officers as guardians, peacekeepers, or co-creators of public safety. Today, the conversation is further complicated by starkly polarized political ideologies, leading to mixed messages about the fundamental mission of policing.

Cops, civilian staff, and volunteers all seek a clear understanding of their organization’s mission and values. Policymakers work to either support, critique, or, at times, challenge police leadership’s vision for policing’s role. Meanwhile, community members often find themselves navigating a dynamic and evolving landscape of opinions about the true purpose of their local police force.

Policing is a complex system that requires strong leadership. To effectively guide their organizations, police leaders must create a shared vision of organizational purpose and values that align with community needs and expectations. This can be achieved by engaging with the community, involving officers and staff in discussions, and conducting internal analysis to ensure alignment with the purpose and values. This will lead to a culture of trust and confidence in the department and its leadership, creating a sustainable and effective policing model for the future.

To hear a concise summary of the steps necessary to achieve consensus and clarity in organizational purpose, listen to this episode of Policing in a Minute on Spotify. To listen to on this website click the episode link below. Policing in a Minute is a podcast of the Future Policing Institute. Subscribe to it wherever you get your podcasts.