District Specific Officer (DSO Unit)

This unit is made up of four officers who main mission is to be proactive in addressing specific neighborhood problems in their assigned beat areas. Each DSO establishes their own style of dealing with specific neighborhood problems under the direction of their supervisors and within the confines of policy, procedures and laws. In addition they assist patrol units, and investigators with any additional task they may be handed within their area.  DSOs also assist in crime prevention, crime watches, crime watch meetings, and any other problems that may need to be worked on in their particular area.  You may think of your DSO as an assistant police chief for your area. 

Police typically respond to crime-related problems in a community in an incident-driven, rapid-response fashion. However, residents' concerns about crime go beyond criminal activity to a need for assistance from social service or other agencies. District Specific Officers (DSOs) can learn about problems that contribute to crime and then facilitate cooperation among local agencies to provide needed services. This cooperation can take the form of co-located services in a neighborhood site, coordinated outreach and information to clients in specified areas, or cooperative provision of services for the maximum benefit of the residents needing assistance. Needs usually addressed include youth programs, employment assistance, safe recreation facilities, medical or social support services, sanitation, and substance abuse treatment. DSOs can work with neighborhood councils, crime watch groups, or tenant organizations to help identify pressing community needs.