Proactive Policing: The Early Intervention Program

Law enforcement executives have known that a small number of officers in their agencies generate the majority of complaints filed by citizens. An accountability tool known as an early intervention (EI) program, also known as early warning system, can reduce the number of complainants against officers in the agency. The EI program can be part of the agencies’ community policing strategy. The law enforcement agency can show the community it is being accountable. An EI program also changes the role of a first line supervisor, making them more accountable in officer development. Research shows that law enforcement agencies who implement a strong EI program will result in fewer complainants against officers. This paper recommends all law enforcement agencies should implement an EI program