NCJ Number
173015
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 64 Issue: 8 Dated: August 1997 Pages: 64-71
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study sought to provide empirical evidence on whether community policing has been effective in reducing crime within selected target areas in Florida, or if it served only to displace crime from target areas.
Abstract
Quantitative and descriptive analysis was conducted by using Uniform Crime Report (UCR) statistics for the target areas over a 4-year period. In addition, a survey instrument was used, and the returns were analyzed and compared to the UCR data to determine whether there were any significant differences between what the law enforcement officers perceived and what the UCR data indicated. The study investigated these possible effects of community policing in Key West and St. Petersburg. Findings show that apparently Key West's community policing program has been successful in reducing the city's crime rate. No other significant factors could be found that would account for the reductions in crime other than the implementation of the community policing program. The data are not as supportive of the effectiveness of St. Petersburg's community policing program. Although the data show a slight decrease in index crimes, the mixed results prevent any generalization about the program's success or failure. Conclusions can be inferred with more validity and reliability on the issue of community policing being a displacement mechanism. There was no statistically significant displacement from either of the two cities into surrounding jurisdictions. The study concludes that careful planning and research must be conducted before deciding what type of community policing program is needed, how extensive its scope will be, and how the program's success or failure will be evaluated. 18 notes