The Police Chief of Fort Smith recognized a disconnect between local police and the residents of Fort Smith.  Residents tended to use meetings with police as sounding boards for discussing problems in their communities, and few actionable ideas resulted.  The City turned to a new solution.

The Problem-Solving Program is a program in which police officers assist communities and community leaders in identifying the problems in their own communities and then police share tried-and-true strategies with the neighborhoods.  Communities take responsibility for their own problems.  Communities and police are partners in dealing with issues such as drugs, prostitution, and graffiti.  The result of this program has been a growth in the number of neighborhoods using the approach and a 59% reduction in criminal activity and crime in the area.

This case study was nominated for ICMA's Annual Awards Program.