Police in America Chapter Seven Innovations in Policing

Impetus for change n Local police departments were isolated and alienated from important segments of the community n Research had undermined the assumptions of traditional police management and police reform n Recognition of the fact that the police role is complex n Recognition of the importance of citizens as co-producers of police services

Broken Windows n Police should focus on disorder problems affecting the quality of neighborhood life n Broken window is a sign that nobody cares n Others fail to repair property n Houses deteriorate n Homeowners move out n Renters move in n Income level declines and stores close n Property values decline n Crime moves in

Types of disorder n Human Public drinkingPublic drinking Street corner gangsStreet corner gangs Street harassmentStreet harassment Street-level drug sale and useStreet-level drug sale and use Noisy neighborsNoisy neighbors Commercial sexCommercial sex n Physical VandalismVandalism DilapidationDilapidation Abandonment of buildingsAbandonment of buildings RubbishRubbish

Community Policing n Community Partnerships Collaboration between police and communityCollaboration between police and community n Consultation Citizens can express problems and needsCitizens can express problems and needs Police can educate about crime and disorder in communityPolice can educate about crime and disorder in community Allows citizens to present complaintsAllows citizens to present complaints Provides forum for police to inform the citizen about successes and failuresProvides forum for police to inform the citizen about successes and failures n Mobilization NeighborhoodsNeighborhoods Civil and administrative lawCivil and administrative law Other municipal agenciesOther municipal agencies

Problem-oriented policing n Herman Goldstein argues that the police should take categories of disorder and break them down into discrete problems and then develop specific responses to each one. n In problem-oriented policing, the goal is not to build a strong positive relationship with the citizen. The goal is to reduce problems of concern to the public and the close community partnership is an element of that process.

Problem solving Process n Scan Identify problemsIdentify problems Review calls for serviceReview calls for service Consult with residentsConsult with residents n Analysis Collect information as to scope, nature, and cause.Collect information as to scope, nature, and cause. n Response Develop a strategy to address the problemDevelop a strategy to address the problem Use strategies that have an impact on the conditions that generate crime and disorderUse strategies that have an impact on the conditions that generate crime and disorder n Assessment Evaluation of effectiveness of responseEvaluation of effectiveness of response

Examples n Newport News n SMART in Oakland n Boston Gun Project n Jersey City, New Jersey n Zero Tolerance Policing