NCJ Number
187915
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 40-55
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
2001
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article explored the perceptual differences between the Vietnamese and Latino populations as they relate to a community policing intervention in a high crime neighborhood where they live.
Abstract
In an attempt to address a persistent crime problem in a large, high crime apartment complex occupied by both Latino and Vietnamese immigrants in Garden Grove, California, the local police department opened a storefront office. The study examined the impact this community policing effort had on the residents of the complex in terms of reducing the fear of crime and improving attitudes towards the police. A questionnaire was administered to the residents before opening the storefront office and at the conclusion of the project. Despite group differences, the results revealed that the intervention had a positive impact on both groups. Overall, Latinos reported less fear of crime after the intervention and improved perception of the police. The Vietnamese reported more fear of crime than Latinos, both before and after the intervention, but less fear of crime after the intervention. The Vietnamese attitudes towards the police, which were very positive on the pretest, did not improve on the post-test (after the intervention). Overall, the study appeared to provide favorable support for community policing efforts in immigrant communities. References