Expert: Loren Stevens - 6/11/2006

Question
How is Developing Contacts (in general)important to a police officer? Developing contacts in all aspects of being in the police force.

thank you

Answer
Hello Amir,
Developing contacts in law enforcement is VERY valuable.
Regardless of the size of a LE agency, the officers/agents can't be everywhere at the same time. With contacts, you are essentially adding to your assets. These are additional eyes and ears that see and hear things in the community that are of police interest.
It also demonstrates a cohesivness, and cooperation, or partnership with the citizens.
These types of contacts are generally viewed as "passive" in nature. They come across information and pass it on.
Other sources, where the relationship is more formalized (Informants) tend to be more "directed" in the initiatives of information gathering.
Any good law enforcement officer/agent would make a concerted effort to continually expand their contacts or sources of information. This is done for promoting good citizebship, and public trust. Operationally, it may be usefull to other officers, even if the contact/information is not germane to your particular area of assignment.
It's about synergism, if the agency is serious about performance results, and cooperation.
Criminal intelligence and evidence of a crime or crime prevention are the three main issues. And, confidence of course.
Hope this is helpful to you.
Regards,
loren