NCJ Number
116835
Date Published
1989
Length
82 pages
Annotation
This report describes the process utilized by the Victoria City (Canada) Police Department to establish their 'mini-station' approach to community policing.
Abstract
After recognizing increasing crime rates, citizen complaints, staff reduction, and political criticisms, a decision was made to develop a 'community-station' approach to proactive policing. A skeletal outline, detailing location, staffing, hours, and duties, was developed as a result of community meetings and review of police internal operation. A planning committee, consisting of police, business, and community members, was commissioned to design the operational programs of the community station. The use of a storefront premises was recommended as a station location because of the accessibility, and the police staff was chosen to reflect the image of policing that the department wanted throughout the community, while volunteer staff simulated the population demographics within the neighborhood. Desired training skills included community organization, program development and planning, and computer literacy. The daily operation of the station involved both a services as well as a crime prevention function. Routine complaints, inquiries, requests for information and crime prevention assistance were handled by the volunteers on duty, while the reactive police duties, such as lectures, and assistance with crime prevention needs, were the focus of the police personnel. Results of an initial impact study on the Community Police Station program indicated strong interest from both the police and citizens, and the number of community police stations is expected to be increased in the future. 6 tables, 1 figure, and 48 references.