NCJ Number
106529
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 54 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 16-17
Date Published
1987
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Foot patrol officers can deter street crime, prevent crime through early intervention, reduce the fear of crime, and restore a sense of order to the community.
Abstract
Foot patrol officers familiar with community problems, citizen grievances, and family conflicts often can take action and make referrals that prevent escalation toward serious crime. Foot patrol officers can be particularly effective in countering illicit drug supply and demand by frequenting known 'dope houses' and areas where street buys are common. Although critics claim that foot patrol officers do little to address serious crime, statistics indicate that relatively few people become victims of serious crime. Most citizens are concerned with community signs of deviance and disorder, such as youth loitering on the corner or in the park and harassing citizens and public drug transactions. Citizens also appreciate the presence of the community officer to whom they can turn in times of crisis for advice or referral to the appropriate community agency. Some have criticized foot patrol as not being cost effective. Critics must realize, however, that foot patrol officers provide services demanded by citizens for their tax dollars.