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1.2 Policing models and philosophies

2 min readaugust 9, 2024

Policing models shape how officers interact with communities. Traditional approaches focus on reactive crime control, while community-oriented strategies emphasize collaboration and problem-solving. These models reflect evolving philosophies about the role of law enforcement in society.

Problem-oriented and use data to target specific issues and guide decision-making. Meanwhile, theories like broken windows and influence how officers approach their work and engage with the public. Understanding these models is key to grasping modern policing.

Policing Models

Traditional and Community-Oriented Approaches

Top images from around the web for Traditional and Community-Oriented Approaches
Top images from around the web for Traditional and Community-Oriented Approaches
  • Traditional policing focuses on reactive law enforcement and crime control
    • Emphasizes rapid response to calls for service
    • Relies heavily on motorized patrol and arrests
    • Measures success through crime statistics and clearance rates
  • promotes collaboration between police and citizens
    • Encourages and crime prevention
    • Involves community members in identifying local issues (neighborhood watch programs)
    • Fosters positive relationships through foot patrols and community meetings
    • Aims to increase public trust and

Problem-Oriented and Intelligence-Led Strategies

  • targets specific crime issues systematically
    • Utilizes the : Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment
    • Identifies underlying causes of recurring problems (repeat offenders, crime hot spots)
    • Develops tailored solutions involving multiple stakeholders
    • Evaluates effectiveness of interventions and adjusts strategies accordingly
  • Intelligence-led policing leverages data analysis for strategic decision-making
    • Employs and to allocate resources efficiently
    • Focuses on prolific offenders and high-risk locations
    • Integrates information from various sources (crime reports, informants, surveillance)
    • Guides tactical operations and long-term planning based on intelligence assessments

Policing Philosophies and Theories

Environmental and Enforcement-Based Approaches

  • links disorder to serious crime
    • Posits that visible signs of neglect (broken windows, graffiti) invite criminal activity
    • Advocates for addressing minor infractions to prevent escalation
    • Influences strategies
    • Critics argue it may lead to over-policing of disadvantaged communities
  • aggressively enforces all laws, even minor offenses
    • Aims to deter crime by creating an atmosphere of strict law enforcement
    • Often associated with "quality of life" initiatives in urban areas
    • Can result in increased arrests and citations for low-level violations
    • Controversial due to potential for discriminatory application and community tensions

Justice-Oriented and Evidence-Based Strategies

  • Procedural justice emphasizes fair treatment in police-citizen interactions
    • Focuses on four key elements: voice, neutrality, respect, and trustworthiness
    • Aims to enhance police legitimacy and public cooperation
    • Encourages officers to explain their actions and listen to community concerns
    • Can lead to improved compliance with the law and reduced complaints against police
  • applies scientific research to inform police practices
    • Relies on rigorous studies to identify effective strategies (randomized controlled trials)
    • Encourages continuous evaluation and improvement of policing methods
    • Promotes the use of data analysis to guide resource allocation and policy decisions
    • Challenges traditional assumptions about "what works" in law enforcement
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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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