While the easiest way to learn more about our community problem solving approaches is simply to call and speak with John Campbell directly, the following are links to some of the materials we often reference in our trainings.  The first section shows examples of some of our own materials (many of which can also be accessed from our online library).  The second section lists some of the work by others that we find most resonates with messages we deliver in our trainings.

Some of our own materials:

Solving Chronic Nuisances. This guide examines how any "leader," whether a sworn officer or a neighbor next door, can address chronic nuisance problems. This document contains a version of our "Civil Force Continuum" and discusses approaches to developing and using nuisance abatement laws: Solving Chronic Nuisances: A nuisance abatement guide for neighborhood leaders, by John H. Campbell, written in partnership with the Enterprise Foundation.

About the original Landlord Training Program. This link will take you to the download orientation page for both the BJA monograph and the current edition of the national manual. Information is there for those who wish to reproduce and distribute the manual, along with links to the page for downloading the documents directly. (Much more about the Landlord Training Program can be reviewed elsewhere on this site by browsing the pages under "Landlord Training Program" at left.)  National Landlord Training Program: Keeping Illegal Activity Out of Rental Property, by John H. Campbell.

Twelve Ways to Improve Your Neighborhood Right Now.  This example from our Community Involvement Training describes simple steps any neighbor can take to improve a community.  If you are interested in using the material for your City, County, or community group, please ask.  We have a standard set of (very short!) guidelines for use that makes that possible to do.  There is usually no charge for governmental organizations or nonprofit local neighborhood associations.  Of course, if you would like us to provide our full training on Community Involvement, call us today.   Twelve Ways to Improve Your Neighborhood Right Now. 

Making the Call/Taking the Call: Making citizen-staff partnerships work better when a neighborhood problem isn’t easy to solve.  This example from our Community Involvement Training is used to coach neighbors in how to be more successful when seeking help from local government about a chronic problem and, equally, to coach local government staff in how to be more effective when taking the call.  Call us today to find out more about how we can help with your community problem-solving challenges.  Making the Call/Taking the Call.

Officer Per Thousand Formulas and Other Policing Myths: A leadership model for better police resource management. Critical reading for any who are genuinely interested in a better way to determine an appropriate level of police resources for their own community. In addition, this document outlines the problem-oriented mindset required of police and civilian leaders alike to better reduce crime, fear, and disorder in local communities. Besides, it's a great article and well worth the read to anyone wrestling with these decisions. John H. Campbell, Joseph Brann, and David Williams. ©2003. Published by Public Management magazine, a publication of the International City/County Management Association, March 2004.

CPTED in public and subsidized housing. Too often, subsidized housing providers pursue CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) changes without fully considering the factors that are creating the behavior problem. This document discusses some of those dynamics:
A Brief Orientation to "CPTED" Concepts in Public Housing.

Crime Prevention in Overnight Lodging: A guide to preventing drug activity, prostitution, and other illegal behavior in hotels and motels. First Edition for National Distribution © 1999-2006, Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc.
 

Great documents by others:

The following are some of the materials we most commonly reference in the trainings we offer, whether discussing neighborhood crime prevention, landlord training, citizen involvement, or community policing and problem solving in general. Some are very topic-specific, others are applicable to a broad range of situations. We encourage those interested in organizing citizens concerning public safety issues to become familiar with these and other items written on the subjects of community involvement and personal motivation.

Many of the book links below are to Amazon's listing of the book. We don't mean that as an endorsement of Amazon per se, just an expedient method for letting you find out more about the document.

The Tipping Point. A fascinating read for those who want to re-examine how changes in our society (for better and worse) occur. In our opinion, it's a must read for those who are truly committed to causing positive, long-term change in their communities. A shorter description of the concept published in The New Yorker magazine in June 1996 focusing on crime and public safety issues alone, is now only available to subscribers to the New Yorker at this link.  Learn more about Malcolm Gladwell and his book on the same topic at www.gladwell.com. Malcolm Gladwell. ©2000. Little, Brown and Company.

Policing and the Fear of Crime. One of the better discussions of how our reactions to the fear of crime can inadvertently increase the likelihood of crime occurring. Important perspectives for community organizers to be familiar with. An article from Perspectives on Policing, a publication of the National Institute of Justice and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Available by requesting publication number 111459 from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, 1- 800-851-3420 or online at www.ncjrs.org. Mark H. Moore and Robert C. Trojanowicz. ©June 1998, US Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice and Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Justice, Program in Criminal Justice Policy Management.

Problem-Oriented Policing. Herman Goldstein. Read it, particularly for the summary of policing challenges in the first few chapters. Goldstein's work has led to a wide range of innovations in policing, nationally and internationally. Herman Goldstein. ©1990 by McGraw-Hill, Inc. McGraw-Hill. (Much more information about problem-oriented policing practices can be found at www.popcenter.org.)

Fixing Broken Windows. George Kelling and Catherine Coles. Also a compelling read particularly in the more popularly written initial chapters. Kelling's work on the broken window theory and his shared observation with Goldstein and others that the work of policing should be to reduce crime, rather than work as the front end loaders for the Criminal Justice "System" is compelling reading to be sure. George L. Kelling and Catherine M. Coles. ©1996. Touchstone, a trademark of Simon & Schuster.

Note: We have found that a polarization has occurred with some police practitioners regarding the work of Kelling and Goldstein (examples of their work are shown above). In our opinion, both have done brilliant work and both have made huge contributions. We don't agree with everything either one describes, but it's fair to say we agree with a very high percentage of both.

Take Back Your Neighborhood: Organizing a Citizens' Patrol Force to Fight Crime in your Community. While we don't subscribe to the formal methods of foot patrol that this book eventually describes, it is an entertaining and compelling read and great background for any person seriously considering focusing on the work of citizen involvement in crime prevention. Richard Neely. ©1990. Ballantine Books. If the above link does not lead to an active listing, finding this book may require some searching, as it has not been consistently in print since original publication.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Principle-Centered Leadership. Both of these works are highly useful, both personally and professionally, for those working to improve communities. Our recommendation: Get the CDs or other audio versions that replay Covey's trainings on the topics and listen to them on your next long drive. Invest a little time and effort in this information and it will be well worth it. Stephen R. Covey. ©1989 & 1990. Available from booksellers or from FranklinCovey, 1-800-819-1812, www.franklincovey.com.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. An interesting discussion of the types of tools that motivate and influence individuals. Read it for understanding and background. Read it before you negotiate with a used car salesman. Robert B. Cialdini. ©1984, 1993. Perennial Currents.

Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion. The curriculum taught to many police officers presented for the public. It's a quick, entertaining read and examines a number of ideas for diffusing situations, solving problems, and de-escalating tension, with verbal communication alone. The author really knows his stuff when writing about policing situations. Attempts by the author to translate the skills to situations outside of policing don't always hit the mark, in our opinion, but don't let that stop you from reading. Good lessons can be drawn from this one. George J. Thompson. ©1993 by George Thompson and Jerry B. Jenkins. William Morrow and Company, Inc.

Law Enforcement Ethics: The Continuum of Compromise.  A concise, and insightful, description of ethical challenges that are faced by ...absolutely everyone.  While the specific examples relate to policing, the underlying issues are relevant to the choices that any person may face and not just to those who happen to work in law enforcement.  Whether the issue is "integrity vs. loyalty" or simple ways that temptations or justifications to cut corners can escalate to something worse, this is worthwhile reading for all.   © Kevin M. Gilmartin, Ph.D. / John (Jack) J. Harris, M.Ed. Gilmartin, Harris & Associates - 1997.  Published in Police Chief magazine, January 1998.

Is there a document we have referenced in our trainings that you don't see here?  Call or e-mail John Campbell to ask about it.