How often must a strategic plan be completed and who must be consulted?

• A. Every year; police leadership
• B. Every 2 years; business partners
• C. Every 5 years; external consultants
• D. Every 4 years; the community

Answer: (D)

In community policing, strategic planning is a collaborative, multi-year effort that centers the community’s priorities. A four-year cycle works well because it gives time to implement initiatives, collect data, evaluate progress, and adjust strategies as needed. Consulting the community throughout the process builds legitimacy, trust, and shared ownership of goals, which is essential for effective policing and lasting partnerships. Other options miss the combination of a practical planning horizon and broad community involvement, or they emphasize only internal leadership or external parties. Therefore, the best answer is a four-year cycle with input from the community.