NCJ Number
74186
Date Published
1979
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The chief constable of Devon and Cornwall, England, discusses the development and implementation of preventive policing in Devon and Cornwall.
Abstract
In 1973, it was observed that the police had drifted away from the public through loss of nonconflict contact. The modernization of the Devon and Cornwall police had, in part, caused this alienation to occur. With the advent of motorized patrols, pocket radios, and computer control, there was less opportunity to be in touch with the public. However, this alienation of the police from the public only led to misunderstanding, hostility, and criticism. Essential cooperation in the enforcement of laws and in the detection of crimes was also undermined. It was concluded that the public, in a preventive function, had to become involved. The key to better understanding between police and the public was an educational program. Thus, the theory of three levels of preventive policing was developed consisting of: (1) primary policing or any action likely to diminish conduct forbidden by the criminal law; (2) secondary prevention, which describes the police patrols both on foot and motorized; and (3) tertiary prevention, or the detection, conviction, punishment, and rehabilitation of the offender. The police force was organized into four departments; the largest was called the preventive policing department and helped change the entire uniform branch (2,000 officers) from a largely reactive force. In addition, 330 officers were allocated to their own geographical areas ('beats') to work within their own discretion. The preventive policing department also initiatived and developed cooperation between police and schools, social workers, probation officers, youth workers, and other social agencies. An experimental community action team consisting of police and social services was established to deal with family problems. Public education was done through a crime prevention support group, which operates from headquarters in support of local operational police units. Although this preventive policing policy will be measured by a joint police/university research group, public confidence in the police has already increased. An organizational chart and the preventive policing policy are appended.