NCJ Number
85614
Date Published
1978
Length
43 pages
Annotation
An evaluation of Chicago's Beat Representative program, a volunteer project to improve citizen reporting of crime and police-community relations, concluded that it was performing well and that funded program districts showed definite advantages over unfunded districts in supporting volunteer participation and interest.
Abstract
The evaluation compared change in program performance over the first year (March 1977 to July 1978) of operations in 10 districts which received funds for staff, equipment, and facilities versus 12 unfunded districts. Volunteers in the funded districts increased substantially and were more involved, but remained stable in the unfunded areas. Officers in the funded districts were more aware of the program and showed higher participation levels than those assigned to unfunded districts. Moreover, the funded districts had a higher caliber or program coordination and direction, were better adapted to receiving crime-related information, and better able to offer special services. The most important advantage of program funding was the establishment of a base for activities which was visibly independent of the district police. Citizen awareness of the program was relatively low in all districts. Funded districts were more cost-effective in measures of total volunteers per capital and police attendance at Beat Rep meetings per year. The role of district coordinator was crucial to success in all districts, and funded districts usually had directors with better qualifications, more authority, and greater access to resources. Effective coordinators in all districts also had personal ties to the local community. Patrol officers and volunteers felt the program increased citizen awareness of crime, increased citizen knowledge of crime prevention methods, and improved police understanding of community needs.