NCJ Number
142501
Date Published
Unknown
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The initiation of "Operation Cleanup" in the summer of 1990 marked the first effort of the police department of Fullerton, California in community policing and problem-oriented policing and has proved successful so far.
Abstract
For many years, the agency has been mainly "incident- driven" in its approach to law enforcement. In contrast, problem-oriented policing emphasizes that the police should go further to try to find a permanent solution to the problem that created the call. This approach also requires citizens to become involved in identifying priorities for their community. Operation Cleanup began in a small target area consisting of two square blocks of apartment complexes. Many residents are Hispanic and Asian immigrants who speak little or no English. Drug trafficking had become blatant in the area. In addition, deteriorated buildings, graffiti, and overflowing trash bins made the area the worst in the city physically. To address these issues, an interagency task force developed plans to improve physical conditions, provide community services, and reduce drug law offenses and other crimes. Actions included daily police foot patrols, increased street maintenance, graffiti removal, and the establishment of a community center on a donated lot. Crime has declined dramatically in all categories, and a citizen survey indicates strong support for the program.