NCJ Number
194805
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 50 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 34-36
Date Published
2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents a brief overview of the evolution of community-oriented policing beginning with a mutual distrust between the police and community in the 1960's and 1970's to an increase in community and police involvement through the education and training of police personnel at all levels.
Abstract
Strained communication and a general distrust existed between the police and the community in both the 1960's and 1970's. However, in the early 20th Century community policing was seen as the model for the future. This was due to the central theme that the police department had to change the way in which it conducted business. This change in problem solving needs to begin with personnel at all levels of a policy agency receiving education in the theories, advantages, and drawbacks of community policing. In addition, training in community problem solving must show line officers and supervisors that community policing is a reality and can reduce the amount of crime in a patrol beat. The lesson plan in this training should include the history of community policing, the philosophy of community policing, the difference between community policing and problem-oriented policing, the importance of commitment, the development of ideas, solutions, resources and contacts, SARA method, organizational changes and support, and discussion of topics and role playing. The Newport News Virginia Police SARA model for problem solving is presented as a method developed to give officers and administrators a guide to solving problems and as a tool for supervision. Community policing is seen as a tool to effect changes in behavior and in attitude from which both police and citizens can benefit.