NCJ Number
94991
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (1984) Pages: 27-35
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
In Israel, experimental extensive police presence (EPP) and reinforced foot patrol unit (RFPU) policing strategies have a greater effect on attitude change, perception of police work, and citizen sense of property vulnerability to crime than do police car patrols.
Abstract
A 2-month EEP in selected neighborhoods in Israel involved installing protective devices, property marking, increase in civil guard activities (neighborhood watches), scheduling of school police, traffic and property safety discussions, and lectures by senior police officers. In another neighborhood, RFPU's followed and reported changes in the section (such as new construction, store openings, and public events), developed information sources and reciprocal relations with citizens, explained police duties to youths, and provided information upon request. In the surveys of the two study and one control neighborhoods following the experiment, six items dealing with citizens' sense of security and attitudes toward police (CAP) indicated significant differences among the three policing strategies. Citizens in the RFPU project reported a higher sense of property vulnerability to crime. Both EPP and RFPU neighborhoods viewed the police more positively than did the control neighborhoods and reported a higher sense of security as the result of police activity. Also, they reported the police were more effective and courteous. As citizens improve their attitudes toward their community and the police, new resources, such as citizens, volunteer, community agency , and civic support, may benefit police work and services. Tabular data and 13 references are provided.