NCJ Number
166846
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Based on properly conducted empirical research, this paper summarizes research findings regarding the impact on crime of uniformed police patrol work.
Abstract
The research reviewed was conducted over the last 25 years and has collectively contributed substantially to reshaping ideas about the police and policing policy. Findings show that patrol work absorbs the majority of police personnel and financial resources. Uniformed patrols undertake a variety of functions, many of which are unrelated, or only tangentially related, to crime. Central to this work are concepts of "emergency" and public order. Changes at the margin in patrol presence will probably go un-noticed by the public and would-be offenders and are unlikely to affect crime rates. Substantial increases in patrol presence will be noticed and will prevent opportunistic crimes, and crimes that involve planning and preparation are more likely to be displaced over time, place, or method. Increasing levels of foot patrol can reduce public fear of crime and increase public satisfaction with the police. Rapid response to calls for help has few immediate pay-offs in terms of offense clear-up rates. Achieving rapid response is less important than setting up clear expectations about response and then meeting them. Community policing strategies that assign officers long- term to geographically defined areas and those that involve high levels of contact with the public can increase public ratings of the police and reduce fear of crime. Problem-oriented policing has been shown to reduce levels of crime and disorder and should also yield the benefits associated with community policing in terms of public satisfaction and reduced fear of crime. 26 references