NCJ Number
191969
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 98-100
Date Published
October 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A measurement of community policing performance in challenged neighborhoods was conducted by police officers themselves within the Madison, Wisconsin Police Department.
Abstract
The measurement of community policing performance within Madison, Wisconsin’s Police Department (MPD) was unique in that the performance measurement was conducted entirely by police personnel. The MPD believed that police should develop, conduct, and assess the findings of their own neighborhoods. Officers were trained as researchers to fulfill this need. This performance measurement method consisted of face-to-face, officer-to-resident interviews and questionnaire completion followed by a conversation between a researcher (police officer) and resident about their neighborhood. In analyzing whether participants were less critical of police activities or less forthcoming of information when an officer conducted the survey interview, findings did not support the accusation that having a uniformed officer interviewer would coerce participants. The Madison studies showed that by listening to the people living in the community, the MPD enhanced police decision-making practices, and that police personnel have greater opportunities to develop community policing initiatives and enhance policing skills when they conduct research themselves.