Neighborhood Team Policing in Elizabeth, New Jersey - A Case Study

• NCJ Number: 91561
• Author(s): K Regan
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 53 pages
• Grant Number(s): 76-NI-99-0030
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice; US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: The Urban Institute
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The implementation of team policing in Elizabeth, N.J., did not affect crime levels, but it did not appear to reduce citizen fear and improve police service.

Abstract

During the LEAA-funded demonstration period, which began in 1975, a police team of 50 personnel was established to work within one geographic area. This implementation of neighborhood team policing resulted in few departures from traditional police policy, especially at the patrol level. However, sergeants undertook more responsibilities within the team structures. Detectives had more interaction with patrol officers, and patrol officers were able to conduct their own followup investigations. Police officers were satisfied with their jobs both before and after the establishment of team policing. Citizen satisfaction was not measured, but the area residents already had a record of cooperating with the police. The police director plans to implement team policing citywide in the near future. Data tables and a map are provided.