NCJ Number
95634
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1984) Pages: 145-167
Date Published
1984
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The concept of police-community relations (PCR) is traced from the formation of the English police service in 1829 to the present.
Abstract
Two of the most significant occurrences in PCR were the establishment of the National Institute on Police and Community Relations at Michigan State University in 1955 and the funding of the National Center on Police and Community Relations in 1965. The late 1960's saw more advances in PCR than any other period in American history. Due to the riots and unrest of the times, the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice formulated recommendations for improving PCR. Many of these same goals were reiterated in the six reports of the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals in 1973. Two recommendations were emphasized: (1) strong interagency cooperation among all elements of the criminal justice system and (2) an imperative need for citizen participation in criminal justice decisionmaking. Throughout the 1970's, police agencies attempted implement these two recommendations; evidence indicates that formal PCR programs have been somewhat successful in ameliorating tensions between the police and the community. However, two findings have emerged: special PCR units do not work, and PCR demands effective police training. The need for the individual police officer to become a change agent is emphasized. 12 references are included.