Can a Community Policing Initiative Reduce Serious Crime?

Abstract

Because of the broad conception of community policing, there is extensive variation in strategies across agencies. Consequently, extant evaluations of community policing programs and techniques are limited, both in terms of their conclusions and generalizability. In addition, previous studies have primarily focused on large metropolitan police departments that have been given several types of resources to implement community policing models. This is not, however, reflective of most police departments. The current evaluation assesses community policing as an officer-initiated program in a suburban police department. Officers involved with the design and implementation of this community policing model were interviewed and crime data for the initiative location and two comparable police beats were collected over an 8-year period. Time series analyses indicated a significant reduction in violent and property crimes in the targeted area, but not in comparable areas in the county.

Improving Law Enforcement Cross Cultural Competencies through Continued Education

“…These informal interactions help in changing negative views of police (Chappell, 2009). One on one relationship building has provided opportunities for more personalized relationships and, therefore, cultural differences lessen (Connell, Miggans, & McGloin, 2008).…”

“…Even when officers are off duty several agencies encourage strong communication with the jurisdictions to which they are assigned (Connell et al, 2008). Diamond and Weiss (2009) contend that this geographic accountability affects the crime rate and assists in reducing community conflict.…”

Linking Educational Institutions with Police Officer Training Programs

“…Various agencies often encourage off duty officers to engage in informal relationship building within their assigned jurisdictions (Connell et al, 2008). Diamond and Weiss (2009) assert that this geographic accountability influences the crime rate and helps in lowering problems within the community.…”

“…Researchers maintain that strong interpersonal communication between community members and law enforcement officers positively contributes to creating a safer community (Connell, Miggans, & Mc Gloin, 2008). Various agencies often encourage off duty officers to engage in informal relationship building within their assigned jurisdictions (Connell et al, 2008).…”

“…Research has shown these familiar interactions are proactive in addressing poor perceptions of law enforcement (Chappell, 2009). Consistent one on one interaction has increased opportunities for developing trusting relationships and lessening cultural misperceptions (Connell, Miggans, & Mc Gloin, 2008).…”