Case Analysis Deliverable 2 - Stakeholder Analysis

MEMO

Date: SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

To: CITY OF COLUMBUS MAYOR ANDREW GINTHER

From:

SUBJECT: MEMO & SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE COLUMBUS, OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The accompanying SWOT analysis was developed to identify levels of trust in the CPD, considering the high crime rate in Columbus, Ohio and the violence often connected to it. The youth and community interactions are highlighted as strengths and opportunities, whereas public distrust and crime are highlighted as weaknesses and threats, respectively. So, my suggestions for the CPD are to use crisis professionals in nonviolent situations (such mental health and homeless crises) and to give diversity in hiring top priority.

BACKGROUND

Crime in Columbus, Ohio, is so high that "more than 96% of the other municipalities [in Ohio] have a lower crime rate," making it one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Given the police's efforts to increase public safety, some may question the force's current standing. CPD's credibility has been damaged since the outbreak began as a result of the officers' fatally shooting of unarmed African Americans and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on hundreds of protesters during the Black Lives Matter Movement (Wedd,2020). The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the CPD because of these misdeeds, looking into their policies, procedures, and any racial prejudices.

SWOT ANALYSIS

After compiling the foregoing information, I developed the SWOT analysis of the CPD in the bellow attached. With the crime rate always on the rise and the public demanding action from law enforcement, one must wonder: do people still have faith in the Columbus Police Department? It is the goal of the SWOT analysis to shed light on the sources of distrust and the means by which trust can be reestablished in those sources. Youth engagement, fundraising prowess, and departmental effectiveness are all areas in which the CPD excels (Wedd,2020). There is a lot of mistrust in the public, and the reputation of executives and the workers are both falling. They have potential in attracting a more diverse workforce and gaining the trust of young people and communities. An increase in violent crime, public discontent, and reluctance on the part of the public to call the police will pose serious challenges for the Columbus Police Department.

RECOMMENDATIONS

First, in situations where police intervention is unnecessary (such as nonviolent mental health crises, suicide threats, and homeless crises), I advocate for the use of trained crisis experts rather than solely police personnel. specially at this time when public faith in law enforcement is low and crime rates are high, deploying police to areas where they are most needed and appreciated can make communities safer overall. In addition, many people think "police officers and police organizations are incapable of repairing themselves" because of policing's racist origins. Additionally, 73% of respondents in the poll felt that mental health crises and non-weapon suicide threats did not necessitate a police response. Secondly, departments have historically pushed for greater diverse hiring during periods of civic disturbance, such as the 1960s (History Makers). Because of this, my second policy suggestion is to increase the diversity of the police force. This is especially important in light of the fact that police forces around the country are experiencing staffing shortages (Wedd,2020).

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

Many youth-serving groups have helped strengthen ties to the local youth community by:

First, mentoring young people is a key component of the Columbus Police Department's (CPD) Strategic Plan for Diversity in Police Recruitment, which aims to increase the number of underrepresented students who graduate from CPD-affiliated schools in Columbus (Echave,2018).

They also encourage young persons to pursue a profession in law enforcement, the government has established the Public Safety Corps, a mentoring initiative. Solid community-wide fundraising activities, which include:

They help fund medical studies by contributing to organizations like the "James Fund for Life." Superior Performance Across All Departments

There were 45 missing children found and 179 people arrested thanks to the Human Trafficking Task Force's record-breaking October partnership with agencies across Ohio.

Weaknesses

Negative public opinion: The killings of unarmed African-Americans like Andre Hill in December and Ma'Khia Bryant, 16, in April are only two examples of what has sparked this outrage. More than two dozen people who participated in peaceful Black Lives Matter protests have filed lawsuits against the police for using excessive force (Echave,2018). Falling executive standing

It is publicly known that the United States Department of Justice has initiated a review in the actions and policies of the Columbus Division of Police, particularly as they relate to racial injustice.

An injunction was issued in April by a U.S. District Court Judge prohibiting the CPD from using tear gas or wooden bullets on peaceful protesters.

Human resource shortage: As a result of "pandemic fatigue and frayed community relations, after a year marked by an escalating cycle of protest and harsh police response," a significant number of CPD officers have resigned in recent months.

Opportunities

The new Youth Services unit has potential for growth as a tool for mending bridges across communities. Engagement activities involving the police and the local community. We need to promote more frequent gatherings like the Neighborhood Unity Walk and "Connection with the Latino Community" to increase communication and build bridges of trust (Wedd,2020). Advocating for a more diverse workforce (Echave,2018). As CPD personnel continue to dwindle, it is imperative that the department make hiring a more inclusive workforce a top priority.

Threats

An increase in violent crime: Violent crime (including murder, rape, robbery, and serious assault) has increased at an unprecedented rate during 2015–2019 (Wedd,2020). Racism and the subsequent civil unrest prompted Columbus, Ohio to proclaim June 1 a public health emergency. No one wants to call the police for fear of retaliation. As a result of the distrust of the police, the police are unable to carry out their duties effectively.

References

Wedd, A. (2020). Economic Crime in Columbus Following the Opening of a Casino, OCJS Research Brief, Volume 4, Issue 1.

Dr Ozdoswski, R & RY, S. From Unsolved Crime Numbers to other Forensic Statistics: Opole Department’s Observations Using Bayesian Modeling

Echave, P. A. (2018).  Understanding the Immigration and Crime Relationship in Columbus, OH, a New Immigrant Destination (Doctoral dissertation, The Ohio State University).

Wedd, A., Gordon, A., & Nicholson, K. (2020). OCJS Research Brief, Volume 4, Issue# 1: Economic Crime in Columbus Following the Opening of a Casion, etc.