Training Police in Community Relations and Urban Problems
JOHN A. TALBOTT M.D.1, and
SUSAN W. TALBOTT R.N., M.A.
1 Director, Division of Community Psychiatry, St. Luke's Hospital Center, 114th St. and Amsterdam Ave., New York, N.Y. 10025
A training program in community relations and urban problems for police trainees in New York City enabled them, in their newly created role of precinct service officers, to function effectively as bridges between the police and community youth. The expansion of such programs reflects the realization that the policeman is the primary service agent for most urban residents, that community service is a vital part of police work, and that efforts to improve community mental health must involve all purveyors of service in the community.
