Our conversation continues with retired police superintendent and current college professor, Dr. Paul Joyce. 

In this episode, Paul discusses community policing as a philosophy and not a collection of protocols or checklists that are set in stone. He describes it as a way forward by building strong partnerships, to problem solve and improve quality of life in neighborhoods. He talks of the need for all community stakeholders to buy in to the effort and invest their time and resources to make it a long-term success effort. He suggests politicians, community spokespeople, business owners, religious leaders, as well as the courts, probation, and parole officers, all must have a seat at the table.

The conversation turns to training as Paul talks about the purpose of police academies. He says that if there is to be a serious methodology to educate and enlighten members of the department, and to create a healthy work environment, then the most knowledgeable and respected officers should serve as teachers and mentors and not disgruntled employees who are assigned there for punishment purposes. He also speaks about the need for officer wellness to sustain the physical and mental well-being of all officers. In efforts to recruit new candidates and retain the best officers, constructing long-term programs that are beneficial to the officers overall health and wellness are an essential component to any strategy.

We end by spending a few important moments to talk about his position at Salve Regina University and their efforts to create innovative programming that progresses from the classroom to the practical application of what they learned. He refers to it as “learning by doing” and has found it to be the best way to prepare students for success in criminal justice related professions.