NCJ Number
158687
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1995) Pages: 11-28
Date Published
1995
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Data from a 1993 national survey of police chiefs were used to examine the extent of training for community policing and the conditions that promote or impede the implementation of community policing.
Abstract
The information came from 281 municipal police departments in 47 States. Results revealed that the majority of police agencies have implemented some types of community policing programs in the past 3 years, including foot patrol (88.4 percent), special task units (91.6 percent), education of the public (98.1 percent), and block watch programs (97.7 percent). The police agencies were similar in their interest in training. They had broad interest in improving overall police performance skills, as well as concern for training middle managers seeking to make the transition from a bureaucratic agency toward community policing and training to improve police-community relations. The main obstacles to community policing include internal organizational obstacles, external community barriers, and inhibition as a result of the transition from a traditional paramilitary policing approach to the community policing philosophy. Findings also indicated that police agencies with higher interest in training in education implemented more community policing programs than did other police agencies. Results suggested the importance of cooperation and support of all levels of police personnel to achieve lasting and effective change. Tables, notes, and 44 references