Mental models or paradigms serve as cognitive frameworks for individuals to interpret the world and interact within it. They are the lenses through which we see the world. Each of us has them and they affect our behavior in various ways.

Paradigms play a significant role in shaping perceptions and behavior about policing and they impact both members of the public and officers themselves. In the digital age smartphones, the internet and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X play instrumental roles in shaping these paradigms by providing means for sharing experiences and information quickly and widely. Public perception can be altered either positively or negatively by content posted online about police officers, depending on whether it highlights commendable engagement or instances of misconduct. Training and experiences shape police officer paradigms and may lead to swift decision-making or more damaging implicit biases that undermine public trust in the police.

Police leaders bear a significant obligation for managing and shifting these paradigms, with them responsible for mitigating implicit bias through awareness training as well as creating a culture of introspection and ongoing learning within their departments. By actively engaging with their communities and being open about their operations, police leaders can foster an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. By taking advantage of technology and social media, police departments can leverage social media to share both the challenges and successes associated with police work, contributing to greater public understanding. By shifting these paradigms, police leadership aspires to develop a policing model which is effective, empathetic and just; one which meets public expectations while also building cooperation between police forces and communities they serve. To read more about paradigms and policing click here.