NCJ Number
173007
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 67 Issue: 5 Dated: May 1998 Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The comprehensive care model provides a framework within which the community and the police can cooperate in preventing crime.
Abstract
The premise underlying the comprehensive care model is that to succeed, crime prevention programs must mobilize every aspect of the community to address the underlying problems that, if left unaddressed, would lead to crime. The model relies on community engagement, proactive approaches, and comprehensive strategies. Community engagement may involve redesigning departmental infrastructures, training systems, evaluation methods, and strategic planning activities to accommodate community input. The department must also engage community members by soliciting their opinions, building trust, fostering relationships, participating in community groups, and developing programs that allow citizens to assist in policing responsibilities. Proactive policing requires that instead of simply reacting to a crime that has already been committed, police officers must identify conditions that generate criminal activity and cooperate with the community in eliminating those conditions. The comprehensive care model also calls for comprehensive strategies. Crime prevention programs work best when addressed by a multidisciplinary team of individuals capable of thoroughly assessing the problem and offering solutions. In addition to providing examples of comprehensive strategies, this article also describes the rewards of implementing the comprehensive care model. 4 notes