NCJ Number
158545
Journal
Criminal Justice Research Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (September 1995) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The Toowoomba Beat Policing Pilot Project, a test of a new method of delivering police services to urban communities in Queensland, Australia, was evaluated to determine citizen satisfaction, impacts on crime, and job satisfaction among the police officers.
Abstract
Established in May 1993, the project involved beat policing, using foot patrol wherever possible and focusing on problemsolving, crime prevention, and actions based both on standard information and the officer's local knowledge and information from community members. Evaluation data came from community surveys in April 1993 and June 1994, a December 1993 survey of 191 police service users in the beat areas and other areas, data on calls for service from May 1993 through January 1995, interviews with police personnel, and document reviews. Results revealed that the project led to successful problemsolving activities, increased beat residents' levels of satisfaction with the police, helped reduce or contain the incidence of certain types of crime, had little effect on beat residents' feelings of safety, and enhanced the job satisfaction of the beat officers. Findings indicated that with proper planning, beat policing can be an effective strategy for delivering police services, although it is not suitable for all locations. Figures, tables, and case studies