NCJ Number
195902
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2002 Pages: 26-28
Editor(s)
Karen E. Breseman
Date Published
June 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article attempts to explain the success of community oriented policing strategies and techniques through the efforts of the University of South Alabama Police.
Abstract
Described as methods for police to unite with the community in an effort to lower crime, community oriented policing has become a household word across the United States with practically every police agency claiming to be community oriented. An investigator with the University of South Alabama (USA) Police offers an explanation as to the success of their community oriented policing strategies. The department consists of 25 to 30 sworn officers. The implementation of the program did not require extra funding or grant money, just creativity and willingness. Implementation began with reorganizing the structure of the police department. They formed a new drug task force, as well as establishing the community services officer position. The community services officer developed relationships with student organizations and the housing department; started training programs for fraternities, sororities, and dorm advisors; conducted classes for incoming freshman; and implemented an anonymous e-mail reporting system for the university. Patrol personnel developed a program to deter children in low-income housing areas from using drugs and committing crime and started a collection program for children who were hospitalized during holidays. Several services were started for the university community. The Threat Assessment Unit was established to collect information from students, faculty, and staff regarding problem individuals, as well as an awards ceremony to applaud creative and successful efforts of police personnel in community oriented policing. The USA Crime Watch program was established at the university linking the school’s newspaper offices, student television network, and the police to distribute and collect information on crime trends in the university community. In addition to the USA Crime Watch program, the Domestic Crimes Unit was created specializing in all crimes based from a prior relationship. Community oriented policing at USA has seen an increase in the faith in the police and a decrease in the crime rate.