NCJ Number
107585
Date Published
1987
Length
180 pages
Annotation
This study describes the concept and practice of community policing in Finland, emphasizing the role carried out by the community policemen.
Abstract
Interviews were carried out with 33 police officers in nine city and rural police districts. Of the 33 police officers interviewed, 15 were community policemen and 18 were either their superiors or the more traditional patrol policemen. Study methodology was based on the qualitative approach of the thematic interview. The principal forms of community policing are neighborhood policing and district policing. In neighborhood policing, a policeman is assigned to a specific city, suburban, or municipal area, becoming that area's own policeman. The neighborhood policeman has an office in the area and is available at specific times. In district policing, a large police district is divided into smaller areas, with primary responsibility for the district assigned to one officer, who is assisted by a number of district policemen. The district policemen are responsible for maintaining order and safety within their areas. Attitudinal problems that make it difficult to carry out effective community policing are discussed. Community police must possess professional competence, receive the encouragement of their superiors and colleagues, and be given sufficient authority to make independent decisions. 18 references.