Community Immersion Program
CIP
ABOUT
Building Bridges
The Community Immersion Program (CIP) introduces police officers to the communities they serve. Currently piloted in San Antonio, the CIP fosters closer relationships through a novel approach to police training. Cadets spend two hours a week for fourteen weeks of their academy training with community stakeholder mentors.
The activities, conversations, and reflections are designed to build a mutual understanding and trusting relationships that help accomplish the public safety goals of both the police and community.
trust
Trust is essential for effective and legitimate policing as it influences public cooperation, compliance, and satisfaction
history
Past discrimination, misconduct, and a lack of accountability have contributed to mistrust and the need for change
DIALOGUE
The CIP creates opportunities for positive interactions between police and residents to learn, share perspectives, and develop mutual respect
progress
By enhancing cultural competence, officers can better understand and respond to the needs and concerns of the communities they serve
IMPACT
A partnership between communities and police officers to foster dialogue and relationships
Courting Communities
The SAPD pilot hopes to improve de-escalation, increase peaceful encounters with police, increase police understanding of community concerns and increase trust and collaboration
Outreach to Children
Creating lasting and impactful relationships between the police and communities must involve engaging community members of all ages
Getting to Know Each Other
“I never understood why people become homeless. You get to put yourself in their shoes, and you get to understand where they’re coming from.” - SAPD Officer Francisco Javier
Community Stakeholders
Valerie Narvaez, director of homeless services at Christian Assistance Ministry, speaks to SAPD cadets
Evaluation
The CIP is the first of its kind in the country and provides a novel opportunity to assess the impact of a program like this.
The SAPD is committed to collecting data to evaluate the program and improve it as needed. It has partnered with San Antonio's R&D League and a research team from UNC Chapel Hill and Georgetown University to lead the evaluation which involves interviews, surveys, and a randomized controlled trial.
The same kind of evaluation is possible in any city that implements the CIP.
Community in Action
City of San Antonio Police Department Cadet Immersion Program
In the News
By the Numbers
14
Weeks of Training
2
Hours per Week
70
Cadet Participants
40
Community Members Engaged
