NCJ Number
121281
Date Published
1989
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The Baltimore experiment in community-oriented policing was evaluated using data from interviews with random samples of citizens before the experiment began in 1986 and 12 months after it ended, as well as from official statistics on calls for service and recorded crimes.
Abstract
A multistage selection process was used to ensure that the six experimental areas were both comparable to each other and representative of a broad range of socioeconomic neighborhoods. The evaluation focused on the citizens' awareness of the program, their views of the police service in their area, their perceptions of the extent of social disorder and of property and personal crimes, their fear of crime, and their general attitudes toward the neighborhood. Findings showed that residents were aware of the ombudsman and increased foot patrols. Some of the ombudsman policing areas also had increased satisfaction with police and reduced perceptions of social disorder and of crime, although the changes were not always statistically significant. The programs did not significantly affect citizens' worry about crime, crime avoidance behaviors, familiarity with neighbors, or satisfaction with the neighborhood. However, statistically significant decreases in the program area occurred in total Part One crimes, personal crimes, thefts, and outside incidents. Tables and 26 references.