NCJ Number
149992
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 57-74
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This review of recent studies of community policing programs in Canada addresses the theory and practice of community policing, empirical evaluation of community policing, and the future of community policing.
Abstract
The principles of community policing in Canada include systematic consultation with the community and its associations, proactive and interactive (police-community) policing, crime analysis and problem-oriented policing, the use of generalists as frontline officers, and police accountability to the community. The practical elements of community policing in Canada include police leadership in community crime prevention, an increased police presence through the opening of community ministations, police foot patrols to increase police visibility, the establishment of citizens' consultation committees, and the participation of the local elected officials in a public security council. Evaluation studies of community policing's impact have focused on crime rates and the extent of citizens' feelings of security. The study of victimization surveys shows that citizens under community policing have been victims of violence or theft half as often as the citizens under the traditional model in time (before and after community policing) and in space (neighborhoods inside or outside the community model). Feelings of insecurity decrease and public satisfaction with police increases under community policing. Police officers also have a more positive work attitude under community policing. The article concludes with a list of issues that must be addressed if community policing is to have a successful future. 34 references