NCJ Number
126586
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 57 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1990) Pages: 50-51,53-54,56
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The implementation of problem-oriented policing (POP) in San Diego, California, is presented. POP means that patrol police officers are expected to use uncommitted time to look for and solve existing beat problems. The results of the implementation are discussed.
Abstract
In San Diego, patrol officers are becoming knowledgeable about the communities they serve, and they are developing previously untapped resources to solve problems that have plagued those communities for years. The patrol officers use a simple problem-solving model to facilitate the exchange of information between public and private agencies and community groups and to follow up on action by those who become part of the problem-solving process. The project developed this approach with the rationale that the patrol officer with beat knowledge and accountability is in the best position to make decisions concerning beat problems. It was implemented by involving a few officers in only one of the seven divisions in the San Diego Police Department. After being successful for a year, it was implemented department-wide. It requires an ongoing process of education, training, resource development, and community support and understanding and is viewed by administrators as a viable method of policing a community.