NCJ Number
202447
Date Published
2003
Length
156 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of an evaluation of beat policing in Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
Beat policing is a technique that relies on intelligence-driven, proactive police response. Generally, police officers practicing beat policing are assigned to a defined geographical location and are encouraged to take ownership of that area by responding in a proactive manner to problems within their beat. The current evaluation focuses on the effectiveness of beat policing in Queensland, its cost-effectiveness, and its level of community support. Chapter 1 provides background information about beat policing and describes the two primary models operating in Queensland. Previous evaluations of beat policing in Queensland are reviewed. Chapter 2 describes the methodology of the current evaluation, including research questions and types of measures utilized. Chapter 3 reports on the evaluation findings in terms the impact of beat policing on official reported crime rates. Rates on calls for police service are compared for the years 1994 and 2002. Chapter 4 examines the impact of beat policing on perceptions of crime and personal safety. Comparisons are made between perceptions of crime and safety in beat policing neighborhoods versus control neighborhoods that did not receive beat policing. Chapter 5 focuses on community satisfaction with beat policing and comparisons are again offered for neighborhoods with and without beat policing. Chapter 6 evaluates the cost-effectiveness of beat policing in Queensland, while Chapter 7 outlines the challenges associated with implementing and managing neighborhood and shopfront beats. Chapter 8 summarizes the key findings of the evaluation. Overall results revealed that beat policing is associated with a reduction in overall neighborhood crime rates and a reduction in calls for police service over a long period. In terms of cost-effectiveness, overall it was discovered that the response provided by beat officers was more cost-effective than the response provided by general duty officers; however, this cost-savings seems to be related to a one-officer response in beat policing as opposed to the usual two-officer response in general duty policing. Finally, no significant difference was noted in the satisfaction level of residents in beat neighborhoods as opposed to non-beat neighborhoods. Increased marketing and officer training are recommended for future considerations. Tables, figures, references