Five-Step Problem-Solving Process This resource sheet can assist a community leader or police officer to guide neighborhood caretakers through problem solving. Step 1: Target a Problem Step 2: Understand the Problem Step 3: Create a Plan Step 4: Take Action and Review Progress Step 5: Celebrate and Create a Lasting Community Presence Step 1: Target a Problem The problem-solving group should create a list of problems that: People care about Fit the definition of crime or disorder Cause harm to the community Have been the subject of repeated calls for service People are willing to work on The group can impact in a reasonable period of time The partners should vote on the problem they want to work on from the list. Step 2: Understand the Problem The problem-solving group should put its targeted problem under a microscope. All participants should offer as much information as possible. Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions about the Victim, Offender, and Location sides of the Crime Triangle. Each neighbor or police officer holds a piece of the puzzle. Together, the problem-solving group will be able to see the big picture. The more complete the picture, the more effective the group will be in impacting the problem. Do not skip this important step. Step 3: Create a Plan Create a community vision. Discuss ideas to solve the problem. Set short-term goals (up to three months) and long-term goals (three to 12 months). Include actions for each side of the Crime Triangle, including assignments for the community, the police, and city agencies. How will the targeted area change, and how will you measure the success? Together, decide what to accomplish, who will do the work, and by when. Step 4: Take Action and Review Progress Walk the talk! Plan your actions. Assign responsibilities based on the interest and skills of volunteers. Set a time line for the completion of each step of your strategies. Involve as many people as possible in planning and carrying out the action plan. Were all assigned actions completed? In a group setting with problem-solving partners, review your progress. Evaluate all of the partners' involvement and commitment, effectiveness of actions, if harm was reduced, outcomes (within time lines), and lessons learned. Step 5: Celebrate and Create a Lasting Community Presence Acknowledge what was accomplished. Celebrate with all of your active and engaged partners. Share your success through emails, newsletters, flyers, local media, and MPD's CrimeWatch cable television program. Agree on methods to maintain success in partnering and impacting the problem, such as expanding or creating an Orange Hat group or initiating a block club. Encourage neighbors, children, and seniors to enjoy and use public spaces such as businesses, local parks, and strolling and jogging pathways. Email or call Corporate Communications at (202) 727-2662 to share your success story.