Post 2 Guiding the Conversation: Why Police Governance Boards Must Ask Better Questions
When boards invite public input, they often leave the floor wide open. The result? A flood of concerns; crime stats, social justice issues, personal grievances, that are passionate and important but unfocused.
The public cares. But they need direction.
Boards must guide the conversation toward strategic insight. That means asking questions that connect directly to planning and priorities.
Real-world task for boards:
Before your next engagement session, prep 3 targeted questions like:
- “What safety priorities matter most to your family?”
- “What partnerships should we be investing in?”
- “What does trust in policing look like to you?”
Or for a more strategic approach, that aligns with information that will drive strategic value, here are some deeper questions to consider:
Trust & Transparency
- “What would make you feel more confident in how policing decisions are made in your community?”
- “How should police services communicate with the public after a critical incident?”
Equity & Inclusion
- “Are there groups in our community whose safety needs are being overlooked?”
- “What barriers might prevent people from reporting concerns or accessing police services?”
Community Priorities
- “What issues do you believe are most urgent for our community in the next 12 months?”
- “What non-policing partnerships (e.g., housing, mental health, youth services) should be prioritized?”
Accountability & Feedback
- “How should the board report back to the community on what it heard and what it’s doing?”
- “What would meaningful follow-up look like after a public consultation?”
Preparedness & Crisis Response
- “What emerging risks (e.g., substance use, cybercrime, hate incidents) concern you most?”
- “How can police and community partners better prepare for future crises?”
And don’t stop there. Include those questions in your public notice.
Instead of saying “This is a public meeting for community safety,” include these thoughts to prepare your audience to bring you what they are really looking for!
This doesn’t limit contributions—it empowers them.
Because when boards ask better questions, communities give better answers.