NPI, in collaboration with the Department of Justice’s COPS Office, will conduct a review of existing research on the law enforcement image and hold a series of convenings. The purpose of the convenings will be 1) understand the core issues surrounding the image of law enforcement within local communities, 2) build an evidence-informed and multi-tiered strategy that can be used as a blueprint at the local level to improve the image of law enforcement agencies, 3) develop the foundation for a macro-strategy that promotes the image of law enforcement nationally, and 4) showcase best practices from state and local agencies who have uplifted the image and reputation of officers within their own communities.

The program aims to develop comprehensive recommendations for improving the public perception of law enforcement at both the local and national levels. These recommendations will address key factors that contribute to the image of law enforcement, providing actionable steps that agencies can take to positively impact their image and relationship with the community. Improving the image of the profession has many benefits for the morale of officers and the internal climate of agencies. The project will culminate with the release of a detailed guidebook for law enforcement practitioners. This guidebook will provide a collection of recommendations, strategies, and best practices developed during the convenings, with practical examples and case studies to support implementation at the local level.