NCJ Number
16306
Date Published
1975
Length
38 pages
Annotation
REVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE OFFICER PROGRAM, EMPHASIZING MEASURES OF SUCCESS AND FEATURES WHICH AFFECT ITS SUITABILITY FOR REPLICATION.
Abstract
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE OFFICERS (NAO'S) ARE VOLUNTEER CITIZEN AIDES WHO, FOR A MINIMUM OF 16 HOURS PER MONTH, PERFORM NON-ENFORCEMENT, NON-OFFENSIVE POLICE FUNCTIONS SUCH AS RESPONDING TO SERVICE CALLS, CONDUCTING TRAFFIC AT ACCIDENTS AND FIRES, AND CONDUCTING INSPECTIONAL PATROL. THIS REPORT REVIEWS THE ACTIVITIES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NAO PROGRAM SINCE IT BEGAN IN 1970, AND IDENTIFIES ITS MAJOR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES. THE PROGRAM'S STRENGTHS ARE THAT IT INVOLVES CITIZENS IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND, BY UTILIZING VOLUNTEERS WITHIN THEIR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS, IT CREATES A LINK BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND THE POLICE AND STRENGTHENS NEIGHBORHOOD INTEGRITY IN PREVENTING CRIME. THE ANALYSIS POINTS TO INSUFFICIENT RECRUITMENT AND LACK OF A FORMAL SELECTION PROCESS AS THE PROGRAM'S CHIEF WEAKNESSES. THE TRAINING CURRICULUM AND SCHEDULE IS APPENDED.