NCJ Number
101382
Date Published
1986
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This study of citizen attitudes toward foot patrol in Flint, Mich., in 1981 and 1985 shows some drop in favorable attitudes toward foot patrol, but also indicates that a significant majority favored its continuance.
Abstract
The Flint foot patrol program, which began in 1979, initially consisted of 22 officers assigned to 14 experimental areas containing approximately 20 percent of the city's population. Goals were to decrease actual or perceived criminal activity, to increase citizen involvement in crime prevention, and to improve police-citizen cooperation in promoting neighborhood safety. Positive aspects of foot patrol were its popularity with residents, improved neighborhood stability, improved race relations, reduced juvenile delinquency, and enhanced service to vulnerable populations. Negative aspects were its increased cost, longer response times, and the criticism of uninvolved officers. The 1981 interviews with a random sample of 280 residents in the experimental patrol areas showed overwhelming approval for foot patrol, reflected in citizens' voting twice for tax support of community policing. The 1985 interviews with 98 of the original 280 residents showed some reduction in enthusiasm for foot patrol but continued overall support for it. It is concluded that community policing has a hopeful future in urban areas, provided beat sizes are appropriate for population density and characteristics. Appendixes contain tabulated responses to each Appendixes contain tabulated responses to each interview question for the 2 years.