NCJ Number
178751
Date Published
1998
Length
161 pages
Annotation
A qualitative, non-experimental research design with focus group interviewing was used to examine the perceptions and attitudes of inner-city residents and community policing officers in East Athens, Ga., regarding the police, community policing, and the co-production of law enforcement.
Abstract
Information was collected in nine citizen focus groups, one police focus group, and two personal interviews. The group discussions and interviews took place in 1994. Results revealed citizen dissatisfaction with police service delivery and skepticism toward community policing in particular. The pattern of dissatisfaction was consistent among the majority of the focus groups. This finding was noteworthy, considering that the volunteer participants were active, positive community residents. Results suggested the need for police departments to commit to the philosophy and strategy of community policing and to conduct extensive startup training throughout the agency. In addition, community preparation is a necessity for community involvement and the success of community policing. Police agencies must set realistic time projections for community policing. Future research should use qualitative as well as quantitative methods to assess community policing and the co-production of other public services. Findings highlighted the need for citizen assessment in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation stages of governmental programs that have community involvement and assistance at their core. Tables, index, and approximately 250 references