Literature Review That Supports and Refutes the Idea of Community Policing

Literature Review: Community Policing

Cordner's (2014) work in "The Oxford Handbook of Police and Policing" provides a foundational understanding of community policing. He defines community policing as a philosophy and practice that encourages proactive community engagement to address the causes of crime and societal issues. Cordner emphasizes the importance of resources in implementing community policing strategies effectively. He argues that adequate funding, personnel, and training are crucial for the success of community policing initiatives. This aligns with the thesis by showing how resource constraints can hinder the ability of law enforcement agencies to engage effectively in community policing practices. Cordner's analysis is particularly relevant to the research question as it supports the relationship between resource availability and the efficacy of community policing.

Dubal's (2012) article provides a critical perspective on the challenges faced by community policing in the post-9/11 era, particularly focusing on the impact of federal surveillance programs. This source is valuable for understanding the external factors that contribute to resource constraints in local law enforcement. Dubal argues that the shift towards federal surveillance and counterterrorism efforts post-9/11 has led to a reallocation of resources, which in turn has negatively impacted community policing initiatives. This perspective supports the thesis by demonstrating how changes in national priorities and funding can undermine local community policing efforts, leading to reduced public trust and compromised community safety.

Greene's (2000) comprehensive analysis of community policing in America discusses the evolution of policing strategies and the role of community policing in this transformation. He highlights the "plasticity" of the concept of community policing, noting that its implementation varies widely across different contexts. This variability, according to Greene, is partly due to the differing levels of resources allocated to community policing initiatives. His work supports the thesis by showing that inconsistent resource allocation leads to varied interpretations and implementations of community policing, which can affect public trust and community safety. Greene's insights are particularly relevant to this research as they provide a broader context for understanding how resource constraints can impact the nature and effectiveness of community policing.

These three sources collectively support the thesis that resource constraints significantly impede the ability of law enforcement agencies to implement effective community policing strategies. Cordner provides a foundational understanding of the resource needs for effective community policing, Dubal offers insight into how external factors like federal priorities can impact resource allocation, and Greene discusses the variability in community policing practices due to resource constraints. This literature review shows the importance of adequate funding and resources for the success of community policing initiatives and their role in maintaining public trust and community safety.

Parlow (2011) looks at the effects of the Great Recession on law enforcement, particularly on community policing initiatives. He argues that the economic downturn led to significant budget cuts and resource shortages in law enforcement agencies. This, in turn, forced many departments to scale back on community policing efforts, which are often seen as non-essential compared to traditional policing methods. Parlow's analysis is important for the research as it provides empirical evidence of how economic factors can directly impact the resources available for community policing. This aligns with the thesis by showing a real-world scenario where resource constraints led to a reduction in community policing efforts, potentially affecting public trust and community safety.

Skogan and Hartnett (2019) give a contemporary perspective on community policing, discussing its challenges and innovations. They emphasize the importance of public support and collaboration in the success of community policing strategies. The authors argue that without adequate resources, including community support, law enforcement agencies struggle to maintain effective community policing. This perspective is particularly relevant to the thesis as perspective pays attention to the nature of resources going beyond financial and material supports to include public support and trust. Their work suggests that the lack of public support can be a significant constraint in itself, impacting the effectiveness of community policing.

Thacher (2011) provide a critical examination of the values underpinning community policing. He discusses how conflicting values can arise in the practice of community policing, particularly when resources are limited. Thacher argues that resource constraints can exacerbate these conflicts, as law enforcement agencies may have to prioritize certain values over others, such as enforcement over community engagement. This source supports the thesis by showing how resource limitations can lead to a compromise in the core values of community policing, potentially undermining its effectiveness and the trust of the community.

Summation

In terms of support for the thesis, the following areas are apparent:

Resource Constraints and Community Policing Effectiveness

Cordner (2014) and Parlow (2011) strongly support the thesis by highlighting how budget cuts and limited resources directly impede the ability of law enforcement agencies to engage in effective community policing. Cordner emphasizes the necessity of adequate funding, personnel, and training for successful community policing initiatives. Parlow adds a historical dimension, showing how the Great Recession led to reduced funding and resources, which in turn forced a scale-back in community policing efforts.

Impact of External Factors

Dubal (2012) extends the discussion by linking the decline in community policing to external factors, such as the shift in focus towards federal surveillance and counterterrorism post-9/11. This perspective supports the thesis by showing how broader political and security priorities can divert resources away from local community policing, affecting its efficacy.

Public Support and Perception

Skogan and Hartnett (2019) contribute to the thesis by discussing the role of public support as a critical resource. They argue that the lack of public support can be a significant constraint, impacting the effectiveness of community policing. This aligns with the thesis by suggesting that resource constraints are not only financial but also encompass public trust and collaboration.