the D.A.R.E. Program, the Problem
Oriented Policing concept, the P.A.T.V.
Patrol Program and the Walk
and Talk Program. The Orland Park Police Department is committed to responding to the needs of and establishing a close working relationship with the community as a Department-wide philosophy, not just a specific problem. All employees share responsibility for achieving community relations objectives and play a vital role in the overall community relations effort of the Department. The success of community relations strategies and tactics depend on all police employees working together in partnership with the community.
The Orland Park Police Department has been involved in the Community Policing concept for several years. This concept is not a great technical breakthrough; in essence, Community Policing is nothing more than basic problem-solving by finding the root cause of a social problem and creating a permanent solution to the problem.
Community Policing is a state of mind which occurs when the officers realizes he or she does have the power to change a situation or correct a problem by means other than arrest and goes about developing a plan to solve the problem, a plan that involves not only the officer but action on the part of those most affected by the problem, the citizens. That is the basic definition for Community Policing.
The Community Policing program is demonstrated through the
use of the Bike
Patrol Unit, the Trailer in the Park Program (T.I.P.S),
the D.A.R.E. Program, the Problem
Oriented Policing concept, the P.A.T.V.
Patrol Program and the Walk
and Talk Program.
Realizing that young people are an intricate portion of our society, the Orland Park Police Department implemented the D.A.R.E. program in local schools. D.A.R.E. primarily focuses on the 5th grade with a 17 week curriculum. The curriculum covers everything from "Eight Ways to Say No to Drugs" to techniques for improving self esteem. The program is designed to not only teach kids how to Say No to Drugs, but also gives them the self-confidence and tools they need to do so.
Researchers have identified certain protective and social bonding factors in the family, school, and community which may foster resiliency in young people, in other words, the capacity of young people for healthy, independent growth in spite of adverse conditions. These strategies focus on the development of social competence, communications skills, self esteem, empathy, decision making, conflict resolution, sense of purpose and independence, and positive alternative activities to drug abuse and other destructive behaviors.
The following link is provided as a courtesy to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
