Session One—Plenary
Training Session I: David Harris: “The Place of Civilian Oversight in
Preventive Policing”

This presentation will center on a concept in American law enforcement:
preventive policing. As the twenty-first century begins, close observation of
police departments across the U.S., in big cities and small towns and in every region, reveals a series of important changes. An increasing number of police departments are moving away from older methods of policing that emphasize reaction to problems and the demands of the 911 call and similar systems, and toward approaches that emphasize the prevention of crime. Using these new strategies, police departments have made dramatic strides against crime in their communities, and have done so in ways that have allowed them to enter into true partnerships with their citizens in the crime-fighting efforts. In other words, preventive policing has shown that communities need not trade their rights to respect, dignity, and lawful treatment for public safety; preventive policing can bring them both.
This presentation will attempt to broaden the focus of civilian oversight
practitioners and those who study civilian oversight by showing how oversight fits into the broader ideas of preventive policing. In particular, the session will show how the various oversight strategies in use today fit naturally with several other central concepts in preventive policing. In bringing these connections to light, the presentation will attempt to show how those practicing civilian oversight can and should become leaders toward a more general implementation of the crucial ideas of prevention.

Presenter:
David A. Harris: E.N. Balk Professor of Law and Values, University of Toledo,
Toledo, Ohio