NCJ Number
124728
Date Published
1989
Length
136 pages
Annotation
The central theme of this study is that all public service agencies must become more community-oriented in responding to public needs and concerns.
Abstract
The issue of community-oriented policing was studied in Irvine, California, by 12 people who formed a nominal group technique panel. Trends selected as having the greatest possible impact were cultural diversity in California, the number of qualified police candidates, the impact of special interest groups, public involvement in social issues, and police manager sophistication. Probable events considered to be the most critical were a major ethnic conflict, a major hazardous materials disaster, a strike by public safety personnel, an economic depression, and a decision regarding law enforcement's involvement in the AIDS epidemic. After gathering survey data on the issues and related trends, several feasible policies were identified: (1) establish police department performance measures based on providing quality police services and not just on arrest, clearance, and uniform crime report data; (2) establish closer liaison with the public in general in order to continually reassess the police mission in a particular community; (3) monitor special interest groups and negotiate for a common ground on legitimate service requests; and (4) continue actively seeking qualified female and minority police applicants. Strategic and transition management issues associated with community-oriented policing are discussed. Supplemental study forms and information are appended. 18 references, 13 endnotes, 5 tables, 13 figures.