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Problem Oriented Policing Paper

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Problem oriented policing is geared toward solving problems. The first step in problem oriented policing is the identification and selection of a problem. One method of identifying, analyzing and selecting a problem is known as SARA. The acronym SARA stands for scanning, analysis, response, and assessment (Cronkhite, 2013). The Center for Problem Oriented Policing has several problem-specific guides for different problems that police and a community may face. The guides cover a variety of subjects ranging from burglary to gas drive offs. Each guide discusses the problem and factors involved and offers suggestions derived from police report and research of the problem (Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, n.d.).
The guide that was examined …show more content…

CompStat allows police agencies to examine individual neighborhoods, or police precincts, and determine what problems need to be solved. CompStat involves the public by seeing them as the stakeholders (Cronkhite, 2013). The stakeholders, or public, are then involved in determining what the problems are in their area. CompStat then holds the commanding officer accountable for what is occurring in the areas under his command. CompStat also helps decentralize police command by empowering precinct commanders the freedom to solve the problems. This leads to new ideas and innovations that was not possible when decisions were made by a centralized command structure. Park and Barthe (2015) see CompStat as part of the SARA process being an integral part of identifying problems. CompStat has made police aware that statistics do have a place in policing and used correctly can lead to a reduction in crime and client satisfaction. Police officers in departments using concepts of problem oriented policing were found to be able to solve problems in their area by giving them the freedom to analyze problems and develop solutions (Park & Bathe,

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