Community and Problem Oriented Policing, Essay Example

Community-oriented policing and problem-oriented policing are two methods that law enforcement professionals use to both prevent and address crimes. Community-oriented policing focuses on a relationship between police in the community and places an emphasis on crime prevention. This method utilizes information that has been collected concerning the crimes that frequently occur in a specific area and utilizes it to target specific problems that contribute to problems in the community. Prevention methods include neighborhood based crime prevention activities, the geographic assignment of officers, foot patrols, and school resource officers, among others.

Problem-oriented policing aims to solve consistent community problems. It differs from community oriented policing on the basis that it focuses on the analysis of circumstances that create problems and this information is used to alleviate incidents. While community-oriented policing focuses on the distribution of the police force, problem-oriented policing focuses on the use of community resources and changes in government services, among others, to reduce crime.

Evidence indicates that both community and problem oriented policing are effective in reducing crime. Studies have shown that community-oriented policing is effective because it increases the trust that the community has in their police force. In doing so, individuals are more likely to call in with tips they have about crimes or be willing to serve as a witness. Furthermore, statistics indicate that problem-oriented policing has reduced the percentage of criminal activity in several areas. However, it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of policing methods because many police forces use a combination of community and problem oriented policing in order to maximize success. Furthermore, it is difficult to account for variables other than the policing style in the statistical analysis because there are many factors outside of these methods that are responsible for the reduction or increase in a location’s crime rate.

References

Goldstein H. (1979). Improving Policing: A Problem Oriented Approach. Crime and Delinquency, 25(2): 236-258.

Nowicki D. (2000) Mixed Messages in Community Policing: Contemporary Readings, 2nd Edition, edited by G. Alpert and A Piquero. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.

Braga A, Kennedy D, Waring E, MorrisonPiehl A. (2001). Problem Oriented Policing, Deterrence and Youth Violence: An Evaluation of Boston’s Operation Ceasefire. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 38(3):195-225.