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Community Policing Theory

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In the world of Criminology there are many theories on catching criminals. These policing models, have strengths and weaknesses like most anything. Every theory relies on adapting to the all changing criminal mind and often seeing where there’s smoke there’s fire. Among the popular theories like: Broken Windows, Community policing and the S.A.R.A. model lye a common thread of being observant and responding proactively. First we start off with Broken Windows. A theory that surmises; bad neighborhoods and poorly maintained buildings can be a place for increased criminal activity. It’s very simple in that they put more cops in bad areas. Increased police patrols in the long run tends to keep neighborhoods in order. There are exceptions to …show more content…

Where it lacks; is in prevention while also attempting to limit repeat offenders. Putting more police on street helps but they can’t be everywhere. This theory tends to only prevent smaller urban crimes toll jumping, vandalism etc. Today’s application of such a belief is “Stop and frisk” which is usually done in the dangerous part of town, very often. Which is great in theory but today in our litigious society also gets viewed often as racial profiling. Another theory of law enforcement is community policing. This dates back to 1830’s London, the police and the community work together to maintain order. Community policing gives much more power to the patrolling officers and only truly works with the cooperation of the people. Its greatest strength the people is also its greatest weakness! Today with the rise of “Stop snitching” getting the public to assist with law enforcement can be difficult. In some neighborhoods being seen speaking to police can be bad for your health. Community policing shines in educating to help diminish that view. Cooperating with law enforcement is snitching is the mentality that some have. This tends to make this style seem like a shot in the dark. I feel, I’d be better off flipping a coin and wishing for a better …show more content…

Yet, I don’t believe one works better than another. All of these present great points on how changing behavior, fostering a positive environment and getting the community active helps make society safer. My best guess for improvement would be to create a hybrid theory. I’d call it Proactive policing. This theory would blend various components from each and put a new spin on it. Proactive policing starts with high ups in law enforcement (State Level) allow them to assign the high risk areas, create community organizations like the neighborhood watch that are fully endorsed by law enforcement and use a bit of tax payer money to create a department “Dark 5” it will rely on hackers and scientists triangulating crime through social media and smart

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