NCJ Number
149177
Date Published
1994
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the definition of community policing, its historical background, findings of various studies on this strategy, and its strengths and weaknesses; it also reviews Federal and State initiatives to implement it, along with recent relevant legislation in the 103rd Congress.
Abstract
Community policing is generally defined as "a program that seeks to change police efforts from one of reacting to emergency calls received from community residents to one of acting in concert with residents to help prevent crime." By late 1992 approximately 300 police departments nationwide reported having incorporated elements of community policing in their law enforcement efforts. The 103rd Congress enacted various provisions that encourage law enforcement agencies to use a community policing approach by providing Federal funding for community-policing activities. Criminologists and law enforcement professionals generally agree that the philosophy of community policing comes from the efforts of police since the early 1800's to reduce and prevent crime by working with the community. Studies conducted by universities, private organizations, and Federal, State, and local governments have yielded conflicting conclusions about the viability and success of community policing. Four aspects of the community-policing strategy have been both praised and criticized: its definition, its effectiveness, its impact on police, and its impact on the community. Proponents argue that community policing has been a successful alternative to traditional policing methods. Critics question the assumption that traditional policing has been ineffective. Appended statement of the 10 principles of community policing