WASHINGTON — An evaluation of the Metropolitan Police Department by an independent board found that the department needs to improve on building better and meaningful relationships with residents.
On Friday, the District of Columbia’s Police Complaints Board issued a report on the status of the Metropolitan Police Department and how it can improve based on the best practices outlined in the 2015 final report of President Barack Obama’s task force on 21st century policing.
The report found that the police force is developing strategies and initiatives as recommended by the task force.
But it also found that the department needs to improve its relationship with residents. One suggestion was for officers to go into neighborhoods for prolonged periods of time and cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect. The goal is for the community to see police as allies instead of an occupying force.
The police force also needs to develop new ways to engage the community on social media, according to the report.
The Police Complaints Governing Board also found that the department needed to change its culture when it comes to dealing with people seeking help for mental health or emotional issues, problems that should not be regarded as signs of weakness.
