NCJ Number
214209
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 146-157
Date Published
2006
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper presents findings from an assessment of the Police/Business Empowerment Partnership (P/BEP), a community-oriented policing program in a retail shopping center.
Abstract
The evaluative results of the implementation of the Police/Business Empowerment Partnership (P/BEP), community-oriented policing program at a business center in the city of Westminster, CA revealed that the community’s perception of gang activity and fear of crime decreased significantly following its implementation. There was also a significant reduction in perceptions of levels of graffiti. While not all of the safety measures improved significantly, a full impact of the program might be fully realized in the future. Assessing the long-term effects of P/BEP would be most informative. The goal of implementing the P/BEP was to promote a safe shopping environment. Its aim was to reduce businesses and residents’ perception of fear of crime, disorder, and other related safety concerns by elevating the visibility of police officers in the area. This study evaluated P/BEP’s impact on the community. The study focused on the changes in perception of community residents and businesses across various safety measures, such as business safety (day/night), community safety (day/night), shopping center safety (day/night), police activity (day/night), gang activity (day/night), auto theft (day/night), and fear of crime (day/night). Tables, references