THE PEACE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA FOUNDATION
A 501c (3) Public Charity
Evidence-based Initiatives and Reforms Position Paper
The POAG Executive Committee has commissioned a second position paper to document reasonable and evidence-based initiatives and reforms to make available to Georgia lawmakers in advance of the general assembly. There will be many demands for reforms and change, and our hopes are that sphere heading a position paper in advance of the 2021 General Assembly will provide a “non-partisan” professional perspective for funding change that is grounded in operational reality and evidence-based best practice.
The central focus will be on a basis for funding many things we all have been asking for over the years to improve our ability to serve the citizens of this state. Our hopes are that our Governor and legislators will have our perspective as a filter to mitigate public concerns beyond practicality and support public concerns that are practical and needed to achieve the legitimacy and trust in our profession.
In 2016 our foundation completed a position paper regarding the use of force by peace officers in Georgia. Again, we find ourselves in conflict over recent police use of force events that have led to much turbulence and division. Often, positions are solidified by public officials and citizens that fail to analyze the contextual features involved. Sometimes quick reactions for reform override careful response toward understanding the complexity and dynamics involved in an incident. Change is the only constant. Change requires adaptation and often reform. Police work like many other professions needs constant reform to maintain its viability and legitimacy.
The position paper will be a document to serve as an objective, non-partisan framework for law and policy makers to use to make informed decisions in response to citizen concerns that are reasonable and beneficial toward the improvement of our profession.
Our foundation’s plan is to develop a position paper addressing issues that may focus around 7 topics:
- Redefine the scope of policing.
- The attrition of police in a turbulent environment.
- Mandatory data collection.
- Revised policy and training in the basic mandate and in-service classes.
- Revised policy and training for all FTO’s.
- Police supervision and leadership.
- Funding and staffing to support evidence-based operations.
Once completed and provided to the General Assembly, a copy will be posted on our website.