With the change of society, people observe changes in policing as well. The development of an improved security system involves community integration with police in a struggle with violence and the achievement of a safer life. In this regard, policing in modern society focuses on community-friendly approaches, including community policing and intelligence-led policing.
First, it is essential to point out that modern policing assumes a close interaction between citizens and police representatives. Second, modern policing has several peculiarities that need to be reflected. According to Wetzel, community policing is “definitely open to improvement and refinement” (6). In other words, not only seasoned police officers but also ordinary people are free to express any assumptions related to security ensuring. This creates a culture of respect for law enforcement and a sense of collaboration.
In the context of community policing, it seems appropriate to note the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) that serves as a paramount public policing program in the USA. Lombardo, Olson, and Staton state that people living in districts with CAPS are more likely to be satisfied with community policing rather than those living in communities without this program (600). The strong community ties appearing due to police efforts are an essential factor in crime prevention.
In its turn, satisfaction with police work leads to the increased quality of life and collective efficacy of people (Lombardo, Olson, and Staton 596). As a result, one might note an increased level of social engagement in ensuring security and public order.
Another tendency of modern policing is foot patrols’ increase. If earlier, the preference was given to car patrols, nowadays, foot patrols play a greater role (Klein par. 17). For instance, police officers look into stores and banks asking about any violations. This strategy promotes the confidence of citizens in the police, attracting more people to collaborate. Some of the officers are even ordered to speak to citizens walking through neighborhood areas (Klein par. 25).
Although police spend some time to become closer to the community, it cannot negatively affect police operation goals. These objectives continue to include ensuring public safety, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, prevention and detection of crime, assistance, and community services to reduce the level of fear of crime, as well as the prevention of decline and dilapidation of neighborhoods (Gaines and Kappeler 38). At the same time, police and community partnership do provide a more effective strategy for achieving these goals. There is a balance of resolving crimes and foot patrols. In addition, it is very important to note that foot patrols decrease fear of neighborhood disorders and crime.
In his turn, Pieters emphasizes that an intelligence-led policing, namely cameras and other technology, is a guarantee to prevent plenty of crime cases (par. 5). For example, the dispatcher detected the criminal due to the camera installed in Chicago. Also, such an approach would help to save a considerable amount of money in comparison with officers’ costing. In recent research conducted by Carter, Phillips, and Gayadeen, it was stated that “agencies that required personnel to receive intelligence-specific training were more likely to utilize intelligence for decision making” (440). It becomes evident from the above observations that the process of collaboration is supported at both sides, namely, by citizens and police.
To conclude, modern policing is not limited to crime prevention as it also aims at community interaction and collaboration to achieve common goals.
Works Cited
Carter, Jeremy G., Scott W. Phillips, and S. Marlon Gayadeen. “Implementing Intelligence-Led Policing: An Application of Loose-Coupling Theory.” Journal of Criminal Justice 42.6 (2014): 433-442. Print.
Gaines, Larry K., and Victor E. Kappeler. Policing in America. 8th ed. Waltham, MA: Anderson, 2011. Print.
Klein, Allison. “D.C. Police Heeding Calls for Foot Patrols.” Washington Post. The Washington Post. 2007. Web.
Lombardo, Robert M., David Olson, and Monte Staton. “The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy.” Policing Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management 33.4 (2010): 586-606. Print.
Pieters, Jeffrey. “Intelligence-led policing is future focus in Rochester”. McClatchy-Tribune Business News. N.p., n.d. Web.
Wetzel, Tom. “Community Policing Revisited.” Law & Order 60.4 (2012): 6-7. Print.