NCJ Number
139397
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (1992) Pages: 204-211
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
While the concept of community policing has replaced the professional crime control model of policing in many Canadian police forces, the degree and quality of actual evaluation of these initiatives is questionable, and there is little agreement over the impact of community policing programs.
Abstract
Evaluations of community policing undertaken to date have been largely anecdotal with little empirical data. A comparative study of community policing initiatives in 10 Canadian police departments identified a strong commitment to the philosophy of community policing but little quantitative evaluation. While the Canadian Police College did offer, in the late 1980's, a comprehensive research skills training course which included a component of evaluation skills, police-specific courses in research skills are currently unavailable in Canada. In contrast, there has been a recognition by British police of the need for research skills training. For example, the Greater Manchester Police offers a 5-day residential training course for police officers and civilians working in research and development. The emphasis of the course is on teaching relevant evaluation skills and techniques. This author suggests the reintroduction of a similar course in Canadian police departments. 25 references