THE SUBJECT IS DOES COMMUNITY POLICING WORK?

The subject is Does Community Policing Work?

The subject is Does Community Policing Work?

Community Policing Works

A growing consensus within police circles is that community policing is the best strategy for fighting crime in residential neighborhoods. This strategy is based on police-community reciprocity—the police and public cooperate to prevent and to solve crimes. It also involves foot patrol so police can walk and talk with citizens (Rockville, 1999).

Community policing is, in essence, collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems. With the police no longer the sole guardians of law and order, all members of the community become active allies in the effort to enhance the safety and quality of neighborhoods. Community policing has far-reaching implications. The expanded outlook on crime control and prevention, the new emphasis on making community members active participants in the process of problem solving, and the patrol officers' pivotal role in community policing require profound changes within the police organization. The neighborhood patrol officer, backed by the police organization, helps community members mobilizes support and resources to solve problems and enhance their quality of life. Community members voice their concerns, contribute advice, and take action to address these concerns. Creating a constructive partnership will require the energy, creativity, understanding, and patience of all involved. Reinvigorating communities is essential if we are to deter crime and create more vital neighborhoods (Farrell, 2005). In some communities, it will take time to break down barriers of apathy and mistrust so that meaningful partnerships can be forged. Trust is the value that underlies and links the components of community partnership and problem solving. A foundation of trust will allow police to form close relationships with the community that will produce solid achievements. Without trust between police and citizens, effective policing is impossible. This monograph is a product of the Community Policing Consortium, which is made up of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs' Association, the Police Executive Research Forum, and the Police Foundation. Reflecting the Consortium's perspective, the document describes the historical evolution of community policing and its potential for the future and it will provide the basis for the Consortium's work with demonstration sites and law enforcement organizations as they implement community policing (Rockville, 1999). The knowledge gained from this site work will be reflected in future Consortium publications. Community policing is, in essence, collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems (Fleissner, 2000). With the police no longer the sole guardians of law and order, all members of the community become active allies in the effort to enhance the safety and quality of neighborhoods. Community policing has far-reaching implications. The expanded outlook on crime control and prevention, the new emphasis on making community members active participants in the process of problem solving, and the patrol officers' pivotal role in community policing require profound changes within the police organization (Farmer, 2005). The neighborhood patrol officer, backed by the police organization, ...