Police and Community Relations

Essay , 2016 , 5 Pages , Grade: 95

Sociology - Individual, Groups, Society

Traditionally, it was the police who had the sole responsibility of ensuring that communities were secure through responding to 911 calls. But today, the main goal of community policing is concerned with establishing an orderly safe community by actively involving its members.

This text discusses the relationship between police and community and the evolvement of community policing.

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Introduction

Community policing is the collaboration between the community and police that

pinpoints out social problems and helps in solving them. In the society today, the problem of

insecurity is not only an issue of the police, but also the community. Thus, members of the

community have become actively involved in ensuring that they have quality and safe

neighborhoods. This was necessitated by the need to increase community confidence in the

police and decrease the fear of crime during the Clinton era (MacDonald, 2002).

Traditionally, it was the police who had the sole responsibility of ensuring that communities

were secure through responding to 911 calls (MacDonald, 2002). But today, the main goal of

community policing is concerned with establishing an orderly safe community by actively

involving its members. This is ensured through various meetings with police officers and

some members of the community. In these meetings, the members of society give their views

to the police and show their commitment to ensure order while police on the other hand

provide resources and training. Also, the community has gone an extra mile to have "know

your neighbor" initiative, which allows members of the neighborhood to be sensitive and

vigilant against strangers and suspicious people.

The relationship between police and members of a community is founded on

understanding, patience and trust for a mutual benefit of the people, which is very substantial

in cementing the rule of law. This in turn has led to the development of a society that sees

police as friends and not enemies as people realize that the protection agencies have been put

in place for their interest. As a result, they will be more than willing to assist the police in

apprehending criminals and cracking gangs. Consequently, as a community, we will deter

and bring down criminal activities and at the end of the day we will have a safe neighborhood

(Kappeler & Gaines, 2012). On the other hand, the use of excessive force by police in

handling people whether criminals or not, have a negative impact on the society. Though they

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are not that quite often, they bring distrust between the community and protective agencies

and as a result, it becomes easier for criminal and gangs to thrive due to weakened

community policing (Kappeler & Gaines, 2012). Also, most of the apprehension turns out to

be court cases which are won by the victims. Thus, the police end up being painted as

inhumane in the society.

Since 9/11, we have taken social security responsibility serious, and we can agree that

as a nation we have had less broad spectrum insecurity issues. This has been as a result of

collaborative efforts of our security agencies and society, both within and outside our

borders. We have fostered patriotism in our citizens, and we didn't leave the issues of

security to the police, FBI, homeland security agents, the CIA, private security contractors or

military because we appreciate the fact that despite having the greatest security force and

technology on earth, we can do little without the loyalty of citizens. Most security issues

experienced internationally are carried by people who were once a citizen of those countries

but with time were radicalized (Kappeler & Gaines, 2012).The United States' Constitution is

by far the most democratic supreme law of the land that gives people incredible liberties than

any other in the world today (Dmtrakopoulos, 2007). For instance, before being arrested,

the police should have the warrant to do so irrespective whether they have uncontested

evidence, the same applies when searching any building. Also, the police should read the

Miranda clauses, which bring to attention the rights the arrested can exploit; such are right to

an attorney, not to self-incriminate and others (Dmtrakopoulos, 2007). Moreover, before

the criminal is convicted, there must be a reasonable proof beyond doubt. When you examine

Russia, China, some African and Middle East countries, you will realize that less is left to be

exploited by the suspected criminal and the idea of innocent until proven guilty is not in

practice as it is in the USA.

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The best way to deal with the issue of security and order in a community is through

fostering loyalty and trust between the society and security agencies (Morabito, 2008). This

can be achieved through the exchange, benchmark and training programs arrangements. Also,

the installations of CCTV surveillance and security awareness campaigns have proven to be

helpful. These opportunities will give a platform to the members of society where they can

interact with the police at an even play field and they can deliberate on the issues that affect

them without people holding back (Morabito, 2008). The installation of CCTV surveillance

reduces crime as the perpetrators feel that they are being watched thus it minimizes such

activities. Through security awareness campaign, the security agencies appeal to people's

emotion and social responsibility to be caring and work collectively towards the eradication

of criminal society and establishing an orderly community (2008). Furthermore, employing

people in the police service or security agency from the local community can have a positive

impact on building trust in the police force, so long as those people incorporated are of high

moral character. Thus, in the long run, if these policies are implemented or utilized, they can

go a great way in establishing an orderly society.

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References

Dmtrakopoulos, I. (2007). Individual rights and liberties under the U.S. Constitution: The

case law of the U.S. Supreme Court. Boston, MA: M. Nijhoff.

Kappeler, V. E., & Gaines, L. K. (2012). Community Policing: A Contemporary

Perspective(6th ed.). Burlington: Elsevier Science.

MacDonald, J. M. (2002). The effectiveness of community policing in reducing urban

violence.Journal of Crime and Deliquency, 48(4), 592-618.

doi:10.1177/00111280223713

Morabito, M. S. (2008). Understanding community policing as an innovation: Patterns of

adoption. Crime and Delinquency, 56, 564-587. doi:10.1177/0011128707311643

Frequently asked questions

What is community policing according to this document?

Community policing is described as the collaboration between the community and police to identify and solve social problems.

What is the traditional role of the police compared to the modern view of community policing?

Traditionally, the police were solely responsible for community security by responding to calls. Now, community policing actively involves community members to establish a safe and orderly community.

How does community involvement contribute to security?

Community members participate in meetings with police, share their views, and demonstrate their commitment to maintaining order. Initiatives like "know your neighbor" also promote vigilance and sensitivity within the community.

What is the basis for the relationship between the police and the community?

The relationship is founded on understanding, patience, and trust, which leads to a society that sees the police as allies rather than enemies.

How does community policing deter crime?

Active community involvement helps in apprehending criminals, dismantling gangs, and ultimately creating a safer neighborhood.

What negative impacts can excessive police force have on community policing?

Excessive force can lead to distrust between the community and the police, potentially allowing criminals and gangs to thrive.

How has the approach to security changed since 9/11?

There has been an increased emphasis on social security, with a collaborative effort between security agencies and the public, fostering patriotism and shared responsibility for security issues.

What safeguards are in place to protect individual liberties in the USA?

The U.S. Constitution provides significant liberties, including the need for warrants before arrests or searches, the reading of Miranda rights upon arrest, and the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for convictions.

How can security and order be best achieved in a community?

By fostering loyalty and trust between the community and security agencies through exchange programs, training, CCTV surveillance, and security awareness campaigns.

What impact can employing local people in police or security agencies have?

If those employed are of high moral character, it can positively impact trust in the police force and contribute to establishing an orderly society.

• Grade: 95
• Author: Selina Kolls (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 5
• Catalog Number: V337845
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668275980
• ISBN (Book): 9783668275997
• Language: English
• Tags: community policing, police, safety, community relations