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AJ 58 – Community and Human Relations Chapter 11 – Community Policing and Special Populations
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Working with Special Groups Latter 19 th century saw police catering to special groups due to political influence Professional Era of policing removed police from caring about/working with needs of special groups Human-relations focus of 1960’s caused Law Enforcement to re-think services to Community – Much more attentive to community needs and concerns Some groups present special concerns – Juveniles, Homeless, Minorities, Tourists
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Juveniles Juvenile crime increasing, especially violent crime Juveniles also largely victimized – Abuse, molestation, neglect, abandonment, etc. Police efforts must include… – Active discovering, investigating, prosecuting child exploitation – Cooperation with child social agencies – Linking families to assistance programs
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Violent Crimes by Juveniles What causes a juvenile to commit violent crimes? – Abuse and neglect – Poor socio-economic conditions – Gangs – Access to weapons – Hopelessness – Exposure to media-sensationalized violence – Weakening of family unit – Drug culture
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Dealing with Juvenile Violence Juvenile offenders often victims themselves – High-risk activities, situations Police must identify “Hot Spots” and address them through… – Enforcement, Education, Community Action – Providing recreational, cultural activities – Working with schools to reduce crime and violence
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Youth Gangs Part of American history/culture Recent growth throughout US – Approx. 5,000 gangs with 250,000 members Commonly shared “gang characteristics” – Name and symbols – Geographic territory, “turf” – Hierarchy of leadership, organization – Ongoing behaviors of criminality, control
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Identification of Gang Members Admits to being in a gang Tattoos, clothing, paraphernalia Police records/reports of gang involvement Arrested with other gang members during gang-related crime Reliable-informant information
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Why Join a Gang? Fill a void of social disorganization in lower-class communities Little access to traditional goals/success – Wealth, power, recognition, fame Protection – Fear-induced recruitment Gangs form as result of disorganization and disintegration of neighborhoods
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Community Policing Response to Gangs Target gang leaders, repeat violent offenders for arrest/prosecution Refer fringe members, families to services Provide preventive programs to at-risk kids Provide crisis-intervention, mediation for gang disputes Directed patrols of gang “hot spots”
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Dealing with the Homeless Homeless population estimated to be about 2–3 million – Fewer than 100,000 shelter beds available Reasons? – Lack of affordable housing – De-institutionalized mental health care – Changes in federal welfare programs – Unemployment, Cost-of-Living – Breakdown of traditional family
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Homeless and the Police Police caught in the middle People fear the loitering/menacing homeless – Complaints to police Victimization of homeless – On the streets, in shelters – Less likely to report Role of CPO – Link to shelters, available services – Link to employment opportunities
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Homeless Types Socioeconomic – Forced to live homeless due to drastic change in economic circumstances Mentally Ill – Not enough for hospitalization, but too disruptive/violent for family or friends Lifestyle – Homelessness is a conscious choice Undocumented Immigrants – Not likely to report crimes, may be involved in criminal behavior to survive
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Police Response to Homeless Departmental goals? Policies? – Do they see homelessness as a problem? Many departments without specific policy rely on criminal violations to deal with homeless problem – Alcohol, drugs, loitering, panhandling, etc. Community Policing Response – Combine services with enforcement – Cooperate with other agencies
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Police and Minorities Traditional barriers to positive relations between Minorities and Law Enforcement Recent recognition by Law Enforcement of the existence of a multicultural society – Need for better services Minority concerns – Victimization – Hate crimes – Arrest/incarceration – Representation within law enforcement
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Minority Concerns (continued) Lack of police protection Poor level of available services Unfair treatment/harassment, Stereotyping Racial Profiling Excessive Force Discrimination
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Lightning Rods for Criticism Infamous incidents of racial tension – Rodney King – LAPD, 1991 – Abner Louima – NYPD, 1997 – Amadou Diallo – NYPD, 1999 – Rampart Division – LAPD, 1999 Common complaints – High number of stops, detentions, arrests – Racial Profiling
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Undocumented Immigrants Exact numbers unclear – Some estimates at about 5 million – Increases by about 275,000 per year High likelihood of victimization – Not likely to report due to fear of deportation What is the primary role of Law Enforcement, enforcement or protection? – Remember the 14 th Amendment!
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Tourists and Transient Populations Populations of summer/winter resort destinations can change drastically Concerns for Police – Reckless/irresponsible behavior Less likely to have stake in community – Targets for victimization by local criminals Community Policing Efforts – Work closely with hotels, businesses – Education and awareness programs
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