Community Oriented Policing (C.O.P)
Officer Officer Officer Officer
Scott Ball Sherri Howard Annie Morgan Glen Evans
What is "Community Oriented Policing" ?
The professional policing model dominated United States law enforcement from the 1930s through the 1960s. Its emphasis on hierarchical structures, efficient response times, standardization, and the use of motorized patrols greatly improved police operations, accountability, and efficiency. However, in the late 1960s, civil unrest created challenges that the police appeared ill-equipped to deal with. A few thoughtful academics and police practitioners began to question the role of policing in American society. It was recognized that the improvements brought about through the professional model were accomplished largely at the expense of those who the police were sworn to serve – the public. Thus, through the mid-1980s, the professional policing era began to decline and a movement towards community policing began.
Community policing can be defined as a philosophy that focuses on crime and social disorder through the delivery of police services that includes aspects of traditional law enforcement, as well as prevention, problem-solving, community engagement and partnerships. The community policing model moves away from reactive responses to calls for service and moves towards proactive problem solving centered on the causes of crime and disorder. Community policing requires police and citizens to join together as partners in the course of both identifying and effectively addressing these issues.