Community_Policing

Community Policing September 5, 2012 Community policing is nothing new to American society. Scholars and citizens alike have been interested in the concept since the inception of the London Metropolitan Police force, founded by Sir Robert Peel 1829. Community policing has been debated for over three decades. Billions of dollars have been provided by the Federal Government to support "community policing" groups. Through the development of law enforcement in the past few centuries, various types of policing have been put into action and the effectiveness of these actions has been strongly argued. In the past couple of decades there has been two distinct styles of policing discussed, which are “community policing” and “zero-tolerance policing.” Many scholars interest in these types of policing have been roused. Many scholars and public officials believe that with law enforcement working together with the community positive results can be produced. (Wilson, 2006). What is “community policing,” what does that term actually mean. If you are like most, you have never heard of that term before. It is better known as “foot patrol.” Community policing is a way for citizens to really get involved in their communities. To actually assist law enforcement in making their own neighborhoods safe, while helping others do the same. The theory is that if the community works together with law enforcement, then interventions will be developed to defer criminal activity in neighborhoods that are being watched, and in fact reduce crime and disorderly conduct. (Riechers and Roberg, 1990, p. 107). What is its purpose' It is simply to bring the community together with law enforcement and public officials to help make neighborhoods safer places to live. According to Barry Leighton of Visions of Community Policy, “Community policing emphasizes a full partnership between the community and its police in identifying and ameliorating local crime and disorder problems. It claims that crime and disorder problems are the joint property of the community (as client) and police (as services deliver) and the community members need to participate in shaping public policy based on an interactive and cooperative relationship.” (Leighton, 1991) How does it work, and what can the citizen do as part of the “Community Policing” group' The resident of the state may make a citizens arrest when he or she sees an unlawful act being committed. It is assumed that the private citizen is capable of controlling certain situations, which would free local law enforcement to focus on more desperate and perilous situations. An example offense that a local citizen would be able to handle would be someone doing graffiti, or someone having an insolent lawn ornament. The citizen - as a part of "community policing," - could file a petition to have the offensive lawn ornament removed, as an alternative to local law enforcement being called to demand that the ornament be taken down. What positive effects does “community policing” have on society. The first thing that comes to my mind is that it puts people at ease in regards to crime. The reason being that if a person is personally involved in the prevention of a crime, then they have a feeling of security that their home, neighborhood and surrounding areas are being protected. Another positive factor, of being involved in what we called a “neighborhood watch” program, is that you are involved. In a program where you and your neighbors are watching out for each other, fewer crimes occur, as normally the person committing the crime scopes out the scene that he is planning on attacking and is quite aware of what is going on in and around him/her. They will not go into a neighborhood where they know that the neighbors are watching out for each other. And, of course, community policing brings awareness to neighbors, friends and even law enforcement. As if you are watching out for each other in the neighborhood, you know who to watch out for. The kid down the block that thinks he is a gangster; the guy over on the next block that has been caught many times before steeling off cars, breaking in houses, and routine vandalism. At the same time the public is becoming aware, they are being educated to how they too can become involved and what they can do to help make their own families more safe and secure. And finally, groups of this sort, become partners with law enforcement. By helping with small crimes it allows the law enforcers to do their job more proficiently. Because they do not have to run out on routine calls and can continue working on serious crimes, to protect the public from. Programs of this sort seem ease the fears of many in our modern-day. Crime will always be a primary concern for us, but with the help of community policing programs, many can rest a little easier. “In all, community policing, though spoken of as a new and revolutionary concept, has enjoyed a long and rich history. Its evolution was born from early theory and recent necessity. Community policing strategies may be our greatest asset of modern times or a concept built on false hopes and expectations. Just how effective modern community orientated strategies truly are remains to be seen. There are many benefits to be had and many problems to be avoided and dealt with. This is not an immediate solution but a working attempt to create one. One thing, however, can be said with a degree of certainty: Through progress, evolution, and a careful study of our goals and history, that solution will be had. Community policing, in concept, or application, may be that solution.” (Wycoff, M.A., 1986). References Leighton, Barry N. (1991). Visions of Community Policing: Rhetoric and Reality in Canada. Canadian Journal of Criminology 33, 3-4 (July-October): 485-522. Riechers, Lisa M. and Roberg, Roy R. (1990). Community Policing: A Critical Review of Underlying Assumptions. Journal of Police Science and Administration 17 (2): 105-114. Wilson, J. M. (2006). Community policing in America. (6 ed., Vol. 1, pp. pp. 1-24). New York, NY: Taylor & Francis Group. Retrieved from http://www.taylorandfrancis.com Wycoff, Mary A. The Benefits of Community Policing: Evidence and Conjecture. In “Community Policing: Rhetoric or Reality” 1986. Greene and Mastrofski (ed). New York: Praeger Publications