City of Scranton Community Policing Initiative

The Scranton Police Department is a professional, full-service law enforcement agency that seeks to build and maintain a secure, safe, and healthy community. We are currently working with accreditation consultants as we navigate the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation process. We utilize body-worn cameras, an automated records management system, and we are NIBRS compliant. Our department embraces partnerships and has several members assigned to federal law enforcement task forces.

In association with the University of Scranton’s Center for Crime Prevention and Analysis, the Scranton Police Department determined several areas of disorder within the city and is tailoring responses using data and analytics. The identified areas have social elements of community violence which include poor access to and or poor quality of labor markets, housing, healthcare, education, healthy food, and safe outdoor spaces.

The funding sought, once received, would be used to ensure community engagement officers are present in the affected neighborhoods during the anticipated times of highest disorder. An action that may otherwise not occur due to staffing shortages. The presence of the officers will build trust and gain the community’s cooperation in reporting crimes and assisting with investigations, an essential element for deterring violence.     

Understanding that public safety requires close partnerships between law enforcement and the communities it serves we strive for innovative responses to people with substance use disorders; people with mental health needs; veterans; people with disabilities; vulnerable youth; people who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking; and people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty.

This evidence-informed community policing initiative will also serve as a liaison platform for community-operated organizations and government provided social services to increase the likelihood of services being delivered to those in need. As a partner in the multidisciplinary approach to services, the police department can build trust while conducting intelligence led precision policing to the specific persons responsible for the disorder in the neighborhood.