NCJ Number
140639
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The possibility of establishing a mobile police office in Las Vegas was examined and found to be less flexible and cost-efficient than other approaches to community policing.
Abstract
The mobile office would differ from a police substation in that it would be housed in a mobile home, would be open only part of the day, and would lack the computer linkages and facilities of police substations. It would also differ from the motor home being put into service in North Las Vegas and moved frequently. It would also differ from the Gerson Park office established in a 900-square-foot apartment in a housing complex. Although the mobile office would initially cost less than a fully equipped police car, relocating it four times in a year would add $21,311 to the costs. Finding sites and obtaining permits could be complicated. In addition, community dissatisfaction would make it politically difficult to move, as demonstrated by the police department's experience in removing a storefront office from Nucleus Plaza. Moreover, such an approach might merely displace crime geographically. Although a mobile office might impact citizens' perceptions of crime in the immediate area, it is more important to control or reduce crime. Overall, the patrol car is the most efficient mobile unit for police officers, because it can be moved at any time and anywhere with minimal effort and allows police officers time to stop and become acquainted with the community. Footnotes and appended table