NCJ Number
172656
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: (1996) Pages: 17-31
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Community policing in Virginia was examined based on a telephone survey to identify community policing programs and on questionnaires mailed to police agencies with community policing and serving populations over 100,000.
Abstract
Information was collected on characteristics of community policing programs, effects of police organizations on citizen involvement in community policing programs, and effects of police organizations on the selection of community policing program strategies and activities. The telephone survey collected data during the summer of 1993 from municipal and county police agencies serving populations greater than 50,000. Fifteen police agencies serving populations greater than 50,000 but less than 100,000 and 13 police agencies serving populations greater than 100,000 were identified. The mail questionnaire was sent to police agencies identified through the telephone survey that served populations greater than 100,000. Nine community policing programs were identified that had varying strategies, features, and activities. Most police agencies reported the permanent assignment of police officers in neighborhoods, a problem-solving approach, and foot patrols. Neighborhood police substations were less common. Although not significant, a correlation was found between police department commitment to community policing and community involvement. Policy implications of the findings are discussed. 41 references, 6 endnotes, and 9 tables