|
In August of 2005, Howard Rahtz was promoted to Captain
on the Cincinnati Police Department. He holds a BA in business administration and a master's degree
in counseling; and, he also completed the program at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and
the Law Enforcement Foundation's Police Executive Leadership College. In 1988 Howard Rahtz joined the Cincinnati Police
Department. He has held progressively responsible law enforcement and leadership positions within the police
department. Prior to his promotion, he was the Cincinnati Police Department’s coordinator for the
SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team.
Outside of his department career he is an adjunct instructor
at the University of Cincinnati and the Tri-State Regional Community Policing Institute; a member of the
International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association; and, editor of their Use of Force Journal. Captain Howard
Rahtz has authored two books on law enforcement: Understanding Police Use of Force and Community Policing: A Handbook
for Beat Cops and Supervisors.
According to the book description of Understanding
Police Use of Force, “This even-handed and comprehensive discussion is intended to facilitate informed
discussion among citizens, police and students on the use of force in law enforcement. Topics include: definitions; the legal
framework; options for the use of force; steps to minimze the use of force; what to do when the worst happens; the racial
divide; and towards better policy and understanding.” Of the book, Ed Nowicki (The Use of Force Journal)
stated, “A very good book that should be the concern of every officer from line officer to supervisor.”
One reader of Understanding
Police Use of Force said, “Howard Rahtz has written a very perceptive, thoughtful piece on the appropriate
use of force in police situations. He brings in examples that can only come from years of experience in the field, and he
makes you think about how the use and threat of force is part and parcel of everyday police work. He points out that in many
situations cops should think about their actions, even when ordinary citizens would not think twice about whether police force
was appropriate.”
According to the book description of
Community Policing: A Handbook for Beat Cops and Supervisors, “This practical and clearly
written manual explains the advantages and "how to" of effective community policing. Lt. Rahtz describes many examples
of successful community policing, drawn from his own distinguished career as a Cincinnati police officer and manager, and
from the research literature.
In community policing, patrol officers enlist community
members as partners in solving local problems that breed crime and disorder. This does not mean that community policing is
the same as "social work," "public relations" or being "soft on crime." To the contrary, working
cooperatively with the community can help patrol officers become more effective in preventing and solving crimes. And community
policing is usually more satisfying and less frustrating for the cop on the beat than the "treadmill" of chasing
radio calls.
Community policing is neither complicated
nor difficult to put into practice, according to Lt. Rahtz. The author offers step-by-step guidance for forging productive
partnerships between patrol officers and community members. He then illustrates the use of problem-solving methods in community
policing, and outlines the key supporting roles played by police supervisors and administrators. A wealth of suggestions and
resources are provided to illustrate how officers can get started with effective community policing.”
|
