Goal: Intensify engagement with the public to reduce crime

The Manteca Police Department now has a strategic plan.

Last month, the department released a strategic plan — for the first time in more than two decades — to inform the community it serves about issues it plans to address over the next three years and desired outcomes.

After noticing the lack of a strategic plan, Police Chief Stephen Schluer conducted a survey of the department. A small group then met to draft new vision statements.

Focus groups were then conducted with employees to identify issues that needed to be addressed over the next three years.

These were then prioritized in a workshop and goals and results were determined.

The three main goals are:

* Meaningful community involvement.

*Create a succession plan.

*Improve workplace operations to improve employee performance and communication.

Each objective has expected outcomes aimed at effectively combating crime and protecting public safety.

The strategies mentioned to promote meaningful community engagement are:

*Improve the use of social media to engage and interact with the community.

*Create a system to encourage employees to engage in community-wide philanthropy to support at-risk youth.

*Expand outreach to increase participation in the Police Cadet Program and Citizens Academy.

*Explore the creation of one or more dedicated department staff positions to work directly with community members to address neighborhood priorities.

*Encourage patrol and investigative personnel to participate in impromptu community meet and greets.

The end goal is to utilize increased involvement and participation in community events to improve relationships with people in the police department.

Increased participation in the Citizens Academy and Youth Cadet programs is expected to increase community knowledge of the department.

And through better communication with social media followers, various media platforms are expected to have more followers, which will help communicate concerns and crime trends more effectively.

Strategies used to create succession planning include:

*Formation of a working group to review, implement and monitor the department's succession plan.

*Creating a comprehensive wellness program for employees to support their mental and physical health.

*Create and implement annual training for specific positions.

*Explore creating a leadership development program.

The expected results should result in improved performance and morale due to investments in staff.

It is expected that new promotions will improve performance during the probationary period and reduce the use of sick and vacation time.

Strategies to improve employee performance and communication include:

*Review and update standard operating procedures for tasks consistent with department policies.

*Review and update job descriptions including rules and responsibilities for all positions and performance expectations.

*Review staffing and facilities to align with department priorities and projected city growth.

*Assist staff in obtaining additional education and training opportunities focused on public safety trends and resources.

Implementation of the strategies is expected to improve employee performance through clear roles and expectations, increase departmental and community ownership, and improve management and supervision.

The Manteca Police Department's Strategic Plan has been posted on the city's website.

Access is via the first page dedicated to the Manteca Police Department.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email [email protected]