NCJ Number
80963
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1981) Pages: 390-397
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The institutionalization of the community police model in Canalville, N.Y., a village of 7,800 people, is described and assessed.
Abstract
The community police model aims at increasing two-way communication between the police and citizens by broadening police involvement in community activities and needs. A consultant proposed this model for Canalville in the context of a highly discredited police department and a political structure ready for change. The basic structure of the community police was obtained from the report of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice (1967). In modifying the report's recommendations for the Canalville situation, the following personnel and duties were instituted: (1) a community service officer, who is the generalist police officer responsible for patrol, community relations, family crisis intervention, investigation, etc.; (2) a police agent, who is a specialized investigator and supervisor of community service officers; and (3) a police administrator to oversee the department's entire operation, Community service officers are encouraged to live in the village or in close proximity and to become active in local organizations. Specialized programs begun by the police include a citizen ride program, a speakers bureau, a weekly police column in the local newspaper, a crime prevention advisory program, and a neighborhood watch program. While there was strong initial opposition to the model, results of an attitude survey show general community acceptance of the new model. Tabular data and 15 references are provided.