Community policing refer to a philosophy that focuses on problem-solving and proactive approach. The police work in partnership with the community members in solving the problems. There are various countries in the world that use community policing programs to solve crime-related issues. The police rely on the community to provide vital information that assists the police in addressing community concerns and solving the crime. Neighborhood watch program is a community policing strategy that is used in the United States. The program consists of watch coordinators, community coordinators and block captains (Miller et al. 46). All the stokeholds are working towards a common goal, which is to prevent crime in the neighborhoods. The citizens patrol the community acting as ears and eyes to observe any suspicious activities. The community members take the responsibility of informing the law enforcers of any suspicious activities. Patrol officers provide police services and have extensive contact with citizens. The community coordinators ensure that the community members backs the efforts of police patrolling in the neighborhood. This program depends on the positive contact and relationship between the community and the patrol officers. Patrol officers are assigned for a long-term assignment in the community, which enables them to be familiar with the activities of the community. Also, the community members have meetings that entail sharing of information about crime prevention strategies and local crime issues. Neighborhood watch program has enhanced trust and confidence between the police and community. There is cohesive existence between the community members and the police.
Community policing is also employed in London. The police officers work with city communities across residential, business and street intervention. The teams are positioned to enhance efficient in working with communities (Miller et al. 116). The program is related to Neighborhood Watch in various ways. One of the similarity is the incorporation of communities in preventing crime. The communities act as the eyes and ears for patrol officers. Also, there are always patrol officers who have an in-depth understanding of community activities. The difference is that the community policing in London is made of three critical teams, which include the residential, business and street interventions.
Work Cited
Miller, Linda., Hess, Karen and Orthmann, Christine. Community Policing. Partnerships for Problem Solving. London: Wiley, 2013.
