American policing has tried this idea before, and the results were disastrous for communities and police agencies alike.
For most calls related to serious crimes, the perpetrator is no longer at the location when the police arrive; the best that an officer can do is gather evidence from the scene and interview victims or witnesses.
A significant body of research over the past 40 years has demonstrated that reactive policing is mostly ineffective at preventing crime and violence.
Research is equally clear that police can be successful at crime management when they use the proactive tactics associated with community policing to reduce crime and make citizens feel safer.
Residents of poor urban communities affected by crime and disorder are often the strongest supporters of community policing.
As budget cuts begin to affect police personnel, departments may have to pull officers from proactive activities and place them in response cars to manage the demand for emergency calls.
Policymakers should pay heed to the lessons of an amply documented history: community-based proactive policing works.
For most calls related to serious crimes, the perpetrator is no longer at the location when the police arrive; the best that an officer can do is gather evidence from the scene and interview victims or witnesses.
A significant body of research over the past 40 years has demonstrated that reactive policing is mostly ineffective at preventing crime and violence.
Research is equally clear that police can be successful at crime management when they use the proactive tactics associated with community policing to reduce crime and make citizens feel safer.
Residents of poor urban communities affected by crime and disorder are often the strongest supporters of community policing.
As budget cuts begin to affect police personnel, departments may have to pull officers from proactive activities and place them in response cars to manage the demand for emergency calls.
Policymakers should pay heed to the lessons of an amply documented history: community-based proactive policing works.
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