NCJ Number
180029
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 1999 Pages: 227-239
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article discusses improving police/security relationships.
Abstract
Though much has been written about law enforcement agencies developing partnerships with citizen groups in the context of community policing, very little research has addressed the role of private security as a viable partner in law enforcement. The basis for developing working relationships is sharing goals as well as having respect for each other. Also important to the development of sound relationships are positive perceptions and attitudes toward each other. This paper questioned a sample of 284 police officers and 236 security professionals in a Midwestern State to assess their perceptions on strategies to improve police/security relationships. Although security personnel were more supportive of improvement initiatives than police officers, the findings nonetheless are encouraging. Given security professionals' enthusiasm for reaching out to law enforcement agencies, police departments must recognize this enthusiasm and invite security professionals into community policing efforts. Tables, references