NCJ Number
185428
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 27 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2000 Pages: 50-58
Date Published
October 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the San Diego Police Department (California) has become partners with the community to make the most of limited resources and bring citizens the level of service they expect.
Abstract
Chief David Bejarano credits the department's 1,000-citizen volunteer staff and an infusion of support from community leaders and government as the primary reason for the department's success despite resource limitations. Trained volunteers work in the department and the community on a daily basis. Volunteers work in the lab and in the watch commander's office, help investigators, transport victims/witnesses to court, act as interpreters when needed, and provide victim services. The use of laptop computers by officers in the field enables them to enter crime and arrest reports from the field, thus increasing the amount of time they spend in the community. A departmental website facilitates informing citizens about crime statistics and the geographic distribution of crimes, so citizens can learn about crime trends in their specific neighborhoods. This helps citizens mobilize to develop problem solving strategies. The department's move toward community policing began in the 1980's. It operates under the basic concept that crime and public safety issues are community problems that require the commitment and partnership of the entire community and the police force to resolve. The Regional Community Policing Institute offers community-oriented policing and problem solving training to all levels of police personnel, including sworn officers, civilians, and volunteers. Also presented in this article are some community-policing success stories and the operation of storefront/satellite offices.