Introduction
Community-Based Policing also known as CBP is the partnership between police and community in enacting administrative policies. It is a long-term concept of dealing with crimes at the local level that involves resource mobilization by the two parties. CBP is an inclusive legal procedure that is effective in curbing societal issues. It is also hailed for its long-term benefit and the involvement of the public makes it popular.
This is because its legal administration is not coerced but rather consent-driven. In addition, the policing needs of a community are tailor-made to suit the needs of a given society as opposed to general administrative policies that might not apply in serving the interests of a given community. This essay highlights the relevance of community policing in combating crimes at the community level.
Universal Principles of CBP
The number one principle that is observed in implementing CBP is the use of democratic processes as provided for in the constitution. Apart from democracy, CBP processes should be guided by the practice of ethical codes among police officers. Police officers in the program should also be as professional as possible when working with society members. A good CBP program will also be classified as effective if it protects the lives of the public and avoids the use of force at all costs. The use of force should be restricted to cases where there is a need to protect the life of a police officer or a civilian, but the force used has to be kept to the minimum level.
The fourth guiding principle of initiating a CBP is to make the process a mechanism of protecting the lives of community members and property unlike the detection motive of the general police services. CBP has been successful due to the adoption of policy procedures that are understood by the public especially in matters of accountability and legal terms. Also, community policing should uphold human dignity in line with international human rights advocacy. This means that the use of torture as a method of interrogation should never be practiced in a CBP policy. Lastly, the policing ideals should not be based on discriminatory acts; for instance, gender biases, racial discrimination, ethnicity, religious practices, and nationality.
Partnership
Partnership in the CBP program should be an all-inclusive process that engages all stakeholders in community services. After colliding with all stakeholders, an effective CBP should offer training services on the ideals of the program for the entire society to embrace the program. The most likely partners for most community-based policing programs are the: government, non-government organizations and religious bodies, business organizations, human rights activists, local government, police services, and community members.
The role of partners is important in CBP because the partners are responsible for formulating legal policies that are beneficial to members in any given locality. With a pool of several divergent views of the partners, the policies will likely reflect the real needs of the majority of community members. The partnership is easily managed if the formulation, implementation and, coordination of all programs are agreed on by the partners.
In conclusion, it is it can be said that the role of CBP is fundamental in restructuring the administrative sector of our nation. The ideals of CBP are public driven and that explains why the program has been successful in its implementation. It is however important that all stakeholders be involved in a partnership to avoid ill motives and maintain the public support of CBP.