NCJ Number
138985
Date Published
1992
Length
115 pages
Annotation
The community policing initiated in Victoria, British Columbia in 1987 was assessed by means of a formative evaluation conducted from September 1988 through August 1991.
Abstract
Five community policing stations were opened between September 1987 and February 1989. Information for the evaluation was gathered through surveys of police, citizens, and program volunteers and a review of crime statistics. Results revealed that the program has influenced the delivery of police service to the community and that both police and citizens believe that community policing has a role in the city. However, in its current form the program does not reflect a true community policing philosophy and has not achieved the majority of its stated objectives. The program is isolated from the operational staff and services and lacks a process for receiving community advice. To address these problems, training, administrative changes, redesigning of patrol beats to reflect natural neighborhood boundaries, and establishment of community advisory groups are needed. In addition, the Victoria Police Department should consider moving to an approach that emphasizes a service-wide philosophy, a balance between reactive and proactive policing strategies, a commitment to problem solving, effective police-community relations, and an enhanced ability to respond appropriately to calls for service. Figures, tables, 16 references, and appended list of reports and recommendations