NCJ Number
194910
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A video in Spanish and a supplementary report in English explain the benefits of community-oriented policing for Hispanic communities.
Abstract
In explaining the benefits of community-oriented policing for Hispanic communities, the paper and the video note the importance of police-community partnerships in identifying and addressing social and economic problems that create an environment conducive to crime. By interacting with community partners who are familiar with the community's life, including language and cultural differences, police agencies can better target their resources to community needs as perceived by residents. In developing a strategy of problem-oriented policing, community residents and leaders, in cooperation with the police, can identify and counter the problems that continually yield crimes and multiple calls-for-service. In addressing the root causes of particular crime problems, the quality of life in the community improves. In improving the dialog between the police and community residents and organizations, police become positive role models, which helps in recruiting Hispanics into policing. This in turn develops greater police expertise in providing services to Hispanic communities. Community policing requires that officers become familiar with and knowledgeable about the cultural values and sensitivities of the citizens they serve. This is particularly important for Hispanic communities, since police officers are better prepared to understand the attitudes and concerns of Hispano-Americans. Community policing should thus facilitate nonviolent conflict resolution in encounters between police and Hispanic residents, reduce racial tensions, produce greater citizen cooperation with the police, and improve officer morale and sense of accomplishment. The video is intended to be used by police agencies to reach the communities they serve. It is designed to foster closer relationships, trust, and a spirit of sharing in the common goals of crime prevention and community safety. The video analyzes the best strategies for problem-solving and community policing for Hispanic communities.