NCJ Number
112021
Date Published
1986
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes the Baltimore County Police Department's COPE (Citizen-Oriented Police Enforcement) unit history, aspirations, achievements, and ingredients for success.
Abstract
COPE is unique as a citizen-oriented, rather than a police-oriented approach in combatting both real and perceived crime and the fear that stems from both. Top priority is given to citizen perceptions, with an emphasis on community identification of problems and concerns. Using a refined problemsolving technique developed by Professor Herman Goldstein, COPE examines all facets of a community problem and does whatever is necessary to restore the perceived and desired quality of life to a neighborhood. A key strategy is to establish and maintain close and positive interactions with citizens by attending community meetings, canvassing neighborhoods door-to-door, working with citizens to improve crime prevention efforts, and using highly visible foot and motorcycle patrol. COPE has reduced the fear of crime 10 percent, crime itself 12 percent, and police calls 11 percent. Citizen awareness is up 20 percent, and citizen satisfaction and officer attitudes are up 16 percent and 28 percent respectively. For related document, see NCJ 112022.