NCJ Number
169568
Date Published
1992
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Issues that hinder efforts to strengthen the relationship between the police and the community are discussed, with emphasis on initiatives to resolve the issues and current movements that relate to producing a stable and reciprocal police-community relationship.
Abstract
The discussion centers on the concept of community alliance, which encompasses the efforts to enhance the relationship, communications, and reciprocity between police authority and responsibility and the needs of the public. Issues that have place a strain on the alliance between the police and the community include the police use of excessive force, police corruption, rudeness, authoritarianism, politics, the need for police to respond to a variety of public needs, and the paradox involving the police role in lawfully depriving people of the freedoms guaranteed by the system of government. Responses to these issues include civilian review boards, neighborhood watch programs, crime stoppers' programs, the use of volunteers, crime prevention programs, and efforts to improve police-community relations, and community policing. Developments that may strengthen the alliance include the development of value statements, higher educational levels in police, increased work force diversity, changing police management styles, and improved media relations. 22 references