Community-based policing and problem-solving: theory and evidence

Community-Based Policing, Problem-Solving History and Results

The objective of this study is to examine community-based policing, problem-solving history and results. Towards this end, this work will review literature in this area of study.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance document entitled "Understanding Community Policing: A Framework for Action" states that community policing is, "in essence, a collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems." Additionally stated in the Bureau of Justice Assistance work is that problem-solving "is a broad term that implies more than simply the elimination and prevention of crimes. Problem-solving is based on the assumption that 'crime and disorder can be reduced in small geographic areas by carefully studying the characteristics of problems in the area and then applying the appropriate resources…" and on the assumption that "Individuals make choices based on the opportunities presented by the immediate physical and social characteristics of an area. By manipulating these factors, people will be less inclined to act in an offensive manner." (Eck and Spelman, 1983 in: Bureau of Justice Assistance, 1994)

I. Theory Behind Problem-Oriented Policing

The Bureau of Justice Assistance states that the theory behind problem-oriented policing "is simple. Underlying conditions create problems. These conditions might include the characteristics of people involved, the social setting in which these people interact, the physical environments, and the way the public deals with these conditions." (1994) These conditions inherently produce problems resulting in indents that "while stemming from a common source, may appear to be different. These incidents are quite simply "symptoms of the problems" and will continue as long as the problem creating the incidents persists. (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 1994, paraphrased) This problem-solving process involves an exchange of information between the police and community, which serves to identify the problem, and this leads to problem-solving activities, which serves to reinforce trust and keep the information exchange ongoing. Problem solving involves such as: (1) elimination of the problem; (2) reduction in the number of occurrences of the problem; (3) reduction of the degree of injury per incident; (4) improvement of problem handling; and (5) manipulation of environment factors for discouraging criminal behavior. (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 1994)

Summary and Conclusion

Community policing has as one of its core elements that of problem-solving focused on crime prevention and reduction. This involves communication and interaction between community members and police officers and is a method of policing that involves addressing the social environment in which the community members and police officers live and work so as to make necessary changes within that environment that serve to reduce criminal activity. This process is one that is ongoing and that is flexible shifting as crime trends shift so that the focus remains squarely on benefitting the community in accomplishing crime prevention and reduction.