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Gabriel Gonzales
LEPS-599 Integrative Capstone
21st Century Knowledge and Skills Reflection & Exemplary Work
https://gabrielgonzalesnationalcity.weebly.com/
October 19th, 2020

In the ever-changing law enforcement profession, organizational leaders must stay up to

date with best practices and incorporate new policing methods. Much of the material and

assignments at the University of San Diego's Law Enforcement Leadership Program were

explicitly tailored to contemporary problems and modern-day solutions. The program stimulated

individual ideas from leaders across the nation when comparing and evaluating their respective

agencies' effectiveness in the 21st Century. I have selected three reports from my master's

program, which I believe showcase my skills and knowledge in the 21st Century of policing.

Modern-day leaders should anticipate change in legislation using past case law precedent

and applying it to modern-day tactics. Thinking critically and being legally aware is vital to the

success of a department. In my first report, I apply case law precedent to a modern-day scenario

involving a person's 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The

scenario consists of using an Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV), or drone, for police surveillance.

Currently, there is no case law that prohibits the use of a UAV for the purposes of surveillance.

However, there is established case law precedent that would support the use of a drone for this

type of investigation. But when assessing case law with a citizen's fundamental right to privacy, I

determine that surveillance by use of drones should be discouraged. Recognizing a person's

fundamental rights when using technologically advanced equipment will continue to provide

challenges for law enforcement leaders.

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My second report is a portion of a report to my community. In this segment, I follow-up

on a set of recommendations outlined in the Final Report of President Obama's Task Force on

21st Century Policing. President Obama's report acts as a guideline for agencies to improve

practices and build community trust and legitimacy. A pillar in this report is "technology and

social media." In this era, law enforcement organizations should seek out the cutting edge to

improve organizational efficiency. In this section of my report to my community, I explain how

the department has embraced this technology to provide a better service to the community while

remaining transparent about its capabilities and purpose. It is vital to acknowledge to your

community that department strategies, when incorporating technology, are in line with the

community's interests.

My third report is a Legislative Budget Review for the department. I learned that

department finances and budget concerns represent more than just numbers. A budget is a

reflection of community expectations and is an accountability tool for the department. Priorities

established by community leaders and members determine how a department operates its

finances. A budget can also provide transparency, revealing how taxpayer dollars are spent and

justification for the expenditures. My budget demonstrates a comprehensive breakdown of

department finances based on priorities set forth by community representatives.

Through my work in this program, and in collaboration with other professionals, I have

developed a deep understanding of problems and solutions during one of the most challenging

times in recent history. It will require a diverse set of skills by department leaders to adapt and

overcome the difficulties in law enforcement's current environment.