What is the main principle of the San Jose model?

The main principle of the San Jose model is centered on behavior modification. This approach emphasizes changing officer behavior through explicit performance standards and accountability measures. By incorporating behavior modification, the model aims to enhance professional conduct and improve the overall effectiveness of law enforcement personnel.

In this model, training and evaluation are structured to promote desirable behaviors and reduce undesirable ones, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the police force. This focus can lead to better interactions with the community, as officers become more aware of their actions and the impacts they have.

Community-oriented policing, peer evaluation, and standard operational procedures, while significant in law enforcement, do not capture the essence of the San Jose model as powerfully as the concept of behavior modification, which directly addresses the need for personal accountability and the development of professional behaviors among officers.