NCJ Number
174635
Journal
Policing Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: 1998 Pages: 666-682
Date Published
1998
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article examines the sociopolitical circumstances that have provided the background for development of the "zero tolerance" style of policing.
Abstract
The concept of zero tolerance policing has received considerable attention from politicians and the media, both in the United States and Britain, during recent years. Proponents cite enduring public support as a crucial justification for implementing these initiatives, while opponents are critical of an aggressive and assertive style of policing said to be targeted at poor and excluded members of society. Two rudimentary lessons can be learned from recent selectively intolerant policing initiatives in New York City and several locations in Britain: (1) Coalitions of support can be gained from very disparate communities for positive initiatives to tackle street crime; and (2) Those initiatives are likely to be successful if they are widely perceived as being "fair" and conducted in a professional and nondiscriminatory manner. In short, successful proactive, confident, assertive policing initiatives need to be driven by the concerns of the particular community. References, bibliography