Community Policing - what is the value?

Working together…….that is the key to keeping our communities safe. The police, obviously, can’t be everywhere at all times and we need everyone’s help in keeping our communities safe.  

That is one of the definitions of “community policing”. Community policing is a strategy where the police work together with community members and businesses along with other agencies and organizations in an effort to reduce fear and crime in the community.  

Here at the Community Policing Institute at NWTC, we take that strategy very seriously. We realize that some of these “small” problems can eventually lead to larger problems if they are not addressed quickly. Sometimes these “problems” are just that – problems - and not criminal in nature, but if left alone can quickly grow into a criminal problem.  

Some of the community policing strategies that agencies across the United States have put in place include: nuisance abatement programs; neighborhood watch; monthly newsletters; email based alerts; regular meetings with other law enforcement agencies to share information on investigations, crime prevention, and gangs & drugs; and community presentations on a variety of topics.

As many communities wrap up budgets there will invariably be cuts to programs and we tend to see leaders eliminate or reassign crime prevention and community policing officers back to patrol duties. Granted, this will help a little bit but one still must ask the question, will this actually save money? 

The officers that work in crime prevention and community policing tend to be a unique breed. Many are driven by their passion to make the community better and need minimal supervision. They tend to be a department wide problem solver which often leads to reduced calls for service, crime and court costs, impact on victims and the community, and not to mention the positive public relations from attending community meetings and giving presentations.  

All of this ‘community policing stuff’ will benefit the patrol officers as they handle calls for service and the detectives during an investigation. It will also aid management during the budget times and meetings with elected officials.