NCJ Number
199809
Date Published
2003
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This paper explores why some police agencies have not fully incorporated the basic principles and methods of problem-oriented policing into their structure and operations and proposes steps that can be taken to get the police to take problem-oriented policing more seriously.
Abstract
Over 20 years ago, problem-oriented policing (POP) was introduced to the police profession and recognized as a promising approach to improving police service. However, some police agencies have not yet integrated the principles and methods of POP into their routine operations. Three main reasons are identified in this paper, as to why police do not take POP seriously: (1) police lack a complete understanding of both the basic elements of POP and how these elements should be integrated with conventional forms of policing; (2) police agencies lack the skill sets and knowledge bases necessary for effective POP; and (3) there is insufficient incentives for the police to take POP seriously. Incentives to promote the practice of problem-oriented policing should consider the incentives that promote the practice of other police operational strategies: preventive patrol, criminal investigations, emergency response, handling routine incidents, and providing ancillary support services. One way to do this is to consider the interest of those who exert significant influence on police practices, specifically on the operational strategies the police adopt to achieve their objectives. The interests considered and discussed in this paper include: prosecutors, the defense bar, and the judiciary; mayors, city managers and other elected officials; community groups; media; academia and police research organizations; government funding agencies; and private industry. References