2012/07/25 Council Agenda Packet

A Problem-Oriented Policing Approach A creative lobbyist's job is not just to document failure but to come up with alternatives that have proven records of success. Herman Goldstein, a law professor at the University of Wisconsin, wrote the book on problem-oriented policing.42 In his 1979 article "Improving Policing: A Problem-Oriented Approach,i43 Goldstein articulated the key principles that formed "the core of the changes that are required in the way we think about the police job": • Grouping incidents • Focus on substantive problems • Concern with effectiveness • Systemic inquiry and analysis • Tailor-made responses • Evaluation of results The same principles apply to animal control, and a problem-oriented approach yields good results. The city of Calgary, Alberta, has taken just such a tack. Instead of discriminating against breeds of dogs, Calgary protects the public from all aggressive dogs, regardless of breed.. Using the problem-oriented model, the city's animal-control wardens focus on public education and stiff fines.44 According to the Calgary Herald, aggressive dog attacks are at the lowest level they've been in 25 years despite a steady population growth.45 Problem-oriented animal control effectively targets reckless owners. Like reckless drivers, reckless owners are often recidivists: You take away one dog, and they simply get another. In 2007, St. Paul, Minnesota, passed an ordinance that 42 Herman Goldstein,Problem-Oriented Policing,13(1987). 43 Herman Goldstein,improving Policing:A Problem-Oriented Approach,25 Journal of Crime&Delinquency,236-242(1979). 44 Calgary,Alta.,Can.,Bylaws 23M2006,amended by 48M2008,49M2008(2008). 45 Sean Myers,Calgary Dog Attacks Fall to Lowest Level in 25 Years:City a Leader in Reducing Canine Problems,Says top Bylaw Officer, Calgary Herald,Feb.21,2009,at B2.