NCJ Number
64884
Date Published
1979
Length
38 pages
Annotation
THE COMMUNITY CONTACT PRINCIPLE IS BASED UPON THE IDEA THAT POLICE OFFICERS AND THE COMMUNITY SHOULD WORK TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD, THUS ENABLING CITIZENS TO LIVE IN PEACE.
Abstract
THE COMMUNITY CONTACT BRANCH OF THE MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, POLICE HAS TWO SECTIONS, THE PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION AND THE PREVENTIVE POLICING SECTION. THE PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION INFORMS THE COMMUNITY ABOUT PROBLEMS THE POLICE SERVICE FACES AND ABOUT POLICE STRATEGIES AND POLICIES. THE PRESS AND PUBLICITY UNIT IS STAFFED ENTIRELY BY CIVILIAN PERSONNEL, WITH A QUALIFIED JOURNALIST AS PRINCIPAL OFFICER. THE OTHER UNITS OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION INCLUDE THE DISPLAY AND EXHIBITIONS UNIT AND THE GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE MILITARY BAND. THE PREVENTIVE POLICING SECTION IS CONCERNED WITH THE PROMOTION OF CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH AGENCY COOPERATION, AND THROUGH WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, TO CREATE AND PRESERVE A STABLE, CARING SOCIETY WHICH BY ITS VERY NATURE IS MORE CRIME-FREE. THE TWO UNITS OF THE SECTION ARE THE NONACCIDENTAL INJURY TO CHILDREN UNIT AND THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS UNIT. EXAMPLES OF HOW THE COMMUNITY CONTACT PROGRAM WORKS ARE USED TO ILLUSTRATE ITS INFLUENCE IN THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREAS OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND RACE RELATIONS. FORMAL INVOLVEMENT INCLUDES POLICE PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY COUNCILS, COMMITTEES, AND MEETINGS. POLICE INVOLVEMENT WITH YOUTH ENCOMPASSES WORKING WITH THE SCHOOLS, INCLUDING VISITS TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, CONTACTS WITH PARENTS, AND LECTURES TO COLLEGE STUDENTS; VISITING AND HELPING WITH YOUTH CLUBS; ORGANIZING SPORTS ACTIVITIES; AND PARTICIPATING WITH 'OUTWARD BOUND' GROUPS, A RACIALLY MIXED ORGANIZED CAMPING EXPERIENCE. POLICE ALSO INSTRUCT STUDENTS IN WORK TRAINING PROGRAMS AND CONDUCT GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUNG OFFENDERS. INVOLVEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY INCLUDES HELPING THE DISADVANTAGED AND THE HANDICAPPED, PROVIDING HOLIDAY TREATS, AND PARTICIPATING IN CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES. POLICE EDUCATION IS ALSO DESCRIBED. PHOTOGRAPHS AND AN INDEX ARE PROVIDED. (PRG)