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Eying the Doughnut: Community Policing and Progressive Reform

NCJ Number
154782
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 1-17
Author(s)
S Mastrofski
Date Published
1993
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This review critiques a book that addresses the current state of policing and that looks to a future vision of policing based on professionalism and new organizational values.
Abstract
Book authors Sparrow, Moore, and Kennedy argue that police officers deal with crime, disorder, and social decay using outdated structures, tactics, and strategies. They believe police agencies should replace the old era with community policing strategies and new organizational values that emphasize openness and public accountability. The authors contend that close working relationships between police and the community can improve crime control effectiveness and efficiency. The critique of the book assesses the merits of community policing, looks at ways of implementing community policing, and examines community policing in the context of politics and police reform. The critique concludes that the value of community policing must be evaluated in light of each police agency's goals. 14 references and 3 notes