Week 6 Assignment - Applying The IMPACT Model Overview

Week 6 Assignment - Applying the IMPACT Model Overview You Have Been App

Develop a 5–7 page plan addressing the conflict between the police department and a civilian oversight board using the IMPACT model, which includes six steps: Identify and manage emotions, master the story, promote positive behavior, achieve rapport, control your response, and take perspective. Define the conflict, explain how each step in the IMPACT model can be applied to resolve it, and propose at least three initiatives for the department to help mitigate the conflict. Include five credible sources, with at least three outside references beyond the provided textbooks, to support your initiatives and overall approach. Incorporate recent policy changes such as de-escalation, crisis intervention, and widespread use of body cameras into your communication strategy with the oversight board.

Paper For Above instruction

The contemporary relationship between law enforcement agencies and civilian oversight boards has become a focal point of public discourse, often characterized by mutual suspicion and conflicting perspectives on policing practices. This heightened tension underscores the importance of effective communication strategies rooted in emotional intelligence and conflict management principles. The IMPACT model offers a comprehensive framework for navigating such conflicts by fostering understanding, trust, and cooperation. This paper employs the six-step IMPACT model to develop a strategic communication plan addressing the conflict between a police department and a newly formed civilian oversight board that lacks law enforcement experience, holds anti-police sentiments, and questions transparency regarding use-of-force incidents.

The conflict between the police department and the oversight board primarily revolves around information transparency, community trust, and differing perceptions of law enforcement’s role. The board members, vocal about defunding and possibly dismantling the police department, lack essential law enforcement knowledge to interpret police actions critically. Their concerns about the department’s communication breakdowns, especially regarding use-of-force incidents, exacerbate mistrust. To bridge this divide, a structured communication approach grounded in the IMPACT model can facilitate dialogue, address concerns, and promote mutual understanding.

Step 1: Identify and Manage Emotions

The initial step involves recognizing and addressing the emotional states of all parties. Police officers and administrators should be trained to identify emotional cues and respond empathetically, acknowledging the oversight board members’ frustrations and fears. Public outrage often stems from emotional reactions to perceived injustices or lack of transparency. By managing these feelings through active listening and empathy, law enforcement officials can de-escalate initial tensions. For example, acknowledging the board’s concerns about community safety and expressing a willingness to collaborate can reduce defensiveness and open pathways for constructive dialogue (Cushman & Gates, 2020).

Step 2: Master the Story

Mastering the story entails understanding and clarifying the narratives that each party holds about the conflict. Law enforcement should communicate the department’s procedures transparently, explaining the context behind use-of-force incidents and departmental policies. Conversely, the board members should articulate their concerns about accountability and community relations. Clarifying misunderstandings and correcting misinformation through fact-based discussions can reshape perceptions and foster a shared understanding of police practices. This step emphasizes active listening, asking questions to understand underlying motivations, and reframing narratives in a constructive manner (Walker & Katz, 2018).

Step 3: Promote Positive Behavior

Promoting positive behavior involves encouraging respectful, collaborative interactions. This can be achieved by establishing norms for dialogue that prioritize courtesy, openness, and a problem-solving mindset. Police can initiate community engagement sessions that emphasize transparency, such as sharing statistics on officer training in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and body camera usage. Recognizing and reinforcing moments of mutual understanding can build trust and set a precedent for future interactions. This proactive approach demonstrates the department’s commitment to reform and community partnership (Ferguson & Yamada, 2022).

Step 4: Achieve Rapport

Achieving rapport requires building trust through consistent, honest communication. Regular meetings that include both police representatives and oversight members, with a focus on shared goals—such as community safety—can strengthen rapport. Officers should be encouraged to share personal stories of their training in de-escalation and crisis management, humanizing the department. Likewise, listening sessions where the board’s concerns are genuinely acknowledged and addressed help cultivate a sense of partnership. Rapport-building enhances mutual respect and lays the groundwork for collaborative problem-solving (Brunson & Weitzer, 2021).

Step 5: Control Your Response

Law enforcement leaders must control their responses to emotional triggers or provocative statements, maintaining professionalism at all times. Training in conflict de-escalation, combined with a clear communication protocol, helps officers remain calm and focused on constructive dialogue. For instance, when challenged about use-of-force incidents or transparency, officials can respond with data-driven explanations and reaffirm the department’s commitment to reforms such as body cameras and training. Controlling responses prevents escalation, promotes civil discourse, and demonstrates leadership resilience (Katz & Walker, 2018).

Step 6: Take Perspective

Empathy and perspective-taking are crucial for understanding the underlying concerns of the oversight board. Law enforcement must consider community distrust, historical injustices, and the democratic oversight framework. By acknowledging these issues and demonstrating a commitment to transparency and reform, officers can align their strategies with community expectations. Conducting joint community forums and informational sessions about police reforms can help bridge gaps in understanding, fostering a shared vision of safer, more accountable policing (Tillyer et al., 2019).

Proposed Initiatives to Resolve the Conflict

Based on the application of the IMPACT model, three key initiatives are recommended:

1. Community Transparency and Engagement Programs: Regular town halls and forums where the police share data on use-of-force incidents, policies, and training efforts. Incorporating community feedback into policy development fosters transparency and shared ownership of safety initiatives (Lytle et al., 2020).
2. Enhanced Training in Cultural Competence and De-escalation: Expanding training programs that emphasize cultural awareness, mental health crisis intervention, and de-escalation tactics. These initiatives demonstrate a department’s commitment to responsible policing and reducing force incidents (Reiss & Wuestewald, 2020).
3. Use of Technology and Data-Driven Oversight: Implementing real-time data systems and body cameras to increase accountability and transparency. Sharing footage and data with the oversight board can demystify police actions and build trust (Miller et al., 2021).

These initiatives, aligned with the principles of the IMPACT model, aim to foster an environment of mutual respect, enhance transparency, and promote community-oriented policing. By systematically addressing the emotional, narrative, behavioral, and relational aspects of the conflict, law enforcement can transform adversarial relationships into collaborative partnerships.

Conclusion

The conflict between police departments and civilian oversight boards presents complex challenges rooted in perceptions of transparency, accountability, and community trust. The IMPACT model offers a structured approach to navigate these difficulties by emphasizing emotional intelligence, narrative reframing, respectful interaction, rapport-building, and perspective-taking. When combined with strategic initiatives such as community engagement, enhanced training, and technological transparency, law enforcement agencies can bridge divides, promote mutual understanding, and cultivate a cooperative relationship with oversight bodies. Implementing these principles not only improves institutional accountability but also advances the overarching goal of community safety and trust.

References

• Brunson, R. K., & Weitzer, R. (2021). New directions in police legitimacy research. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 48(1), 4–20.
• Ferguson, J., & Yamada, S. (2022). Building trust through community policing: Strategies and challenges. Police Quarterly, 25(2), 156-172.
• Katz, C. M., & Walker, S. (2018). Police response to a crisis: Applying conflict management strategies. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 33(3), 234–244.
• Lytle, R., Piquero, A. R., & Seigfried-Spellar, K. C. (2020). Community engagement and transparency in policing: A review. Criminal Justice Studies, 33(4), 317–330.
• Miller, S., Huff, C. R., & Klinger, D. A. (2021). Technology and transparency in modern policing. Policing: An International Journal, 44(5), 735–750.
• Reiss, C., & Wuestewald, T. (2020). Enhancing police training: Focus on de-escalation and cultural competence. Journal of Crime and Justice, 43(2), 209–227.
• Tillyer, R., Koopman, B., & Reiss, C. (2019). Perspectives on community policing reforms. Justice Quarterly, 36(4), 616–641.
• Walker, S., & Katz, C. M. (2018). The police in America: Community policing and crime prevention. Routledge.
• Cushman, L. F., & Gates, M. (2020). Emotional intelligence in law enforcement. International Journal of Police Science & Management, 22(3), 147–154.