Note: This assignment is the first part of a strategic plan that you will be constructing in Topics 5-7.

For a sample of a strategic plan, access “Lincoln Police Department Strategic Plan,” located in the Class Resources.

Choose one of the following three police departments to be used for your strategic plan project:

1. Portland, Oregon
2. Lincoln, Nebraska
3. Newport, Oregon

In 750-1,500 words:

1. Conduct a needs assessment on the police department of the city you chose to determine what the goals and vision should be for the police department. Do not use their current vision/goal.
2. The things you should analyze when conducting the needs assessment are common crimes in the city, what the community wants the police department to focus on regarding crime reduction, the recent history of the department including any conflicts with the community, resources the department has or that it lacks, etc.
3. Explain the findings of the needs assessment and discuss what police services the city needs from the department. Describe your rationale for what the focus of the police department should be. Defend your rationale with research.

Be sure to cite three to five relevant scholarly sources in support of your content. Use only sources found at the GCU Library, government websites, or those provided in Class Resources.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.