Pillars Of Effective Community Policing Programs

By Brenda Thompson


Community policing has been applauded for enhancing security in neighborhoods and reducing tensions between law enforcers and ordinary citizens. Its effectiveness depends on how well it is planned and organized in a particular neighborhood. Effective Community Policing Programs should ensure that they meet the following, among other conditions that have been deeply researched and ascertained to deliver results.

Trust is the foundation of any program involving law enforcers and communities they work in. Police are yet to be regarded as social partners. They are still viewed as persons searching for trouble even where there is none. Without trust, people will withhold information. Lack of trust makes police to regard every situation as suspicious. This is why small issues escalate into national debates. The program should find a way of enhancing trust between police and ordinary people.

The community should engrave localized routines and values in their program. This is why such a program is formed to address local issues. There are routines and cultures that are specific to people of a certain area. While they might be regarded as unacceptable in other areas, police need to know that this is your tradition. However, these issues and values must be aligned to national values. It ensures that there is no conflict during law enforcement.

Technology and its use are an integral part of any effective program in the current era. People are given the power to report incidences and call law enforcement whenever there is need. Police are also required to use body and dash cameras to enhance fidelity to facts. Videos are accepted as evidence or proof of incidences that happened. Once technology is used effectively, the speed and quality of response are enhanced.

Priority needs to be given to engagement with the people in the area. Engagement helps law enforcement officers to appear like ordinary members of the area. They will not be regarded as any superior or inferior. Police and other law enforcers also begin to see residents as part of their lives. This creates a great deal of cohesion and builds a society of shared values. The dignity of all members of this neighborhood will be preserved.

Peaceful co-existence between people and police is enhanced through intense training and awareness creation. The aim is to make people understand the role of police officers and police to be cognizant of expectations from citizens. Awareness of boundaries and the responsibilities that come with these boundaries helps to de-escalate issues since everyone is aware of his or her place.

It is important to preserve the dignity of police by all means. This is a responsibility for people and the officers involved. Do not raise false alarms or risk the lives of police officers in the line of duty. Look at them as an institution and not individuals. When mutual respect exists, people will experience incredible tranquility. Police will take the final say in incidences with mutual respect. The police will also affirm their responsibility to law and superiors without ignoring the people.

The basics of effective community policing initiative are to address local social issues. It is the responsibility of people and the police to actualize these programs for mutual benefit. When each of these entities plays his or her role effectively, neighborhoods become safer and police officers enjoy their work.




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