(Institute/University)
Community Policing
Mazerolle, Bennett, Davis, Sargent, and Manning (2013, p. 245) discuss the results of an analysis designed to perceive the efficacy of police-initiated interventions in the community with the use of dialogues to improve the image of police authority. In assaying the article, the authors noted the growing trend among police organizations across the globe in initiating programs designed to enhance the projection of legitimacy by the police establishment. By solidifying the image of the power of the police, the work holds that when the influence of the police is firmly set, then this will prove the best to gain compliance and provide security to the community. In this light, the authors also noted the need to evince the fairness of the system; this will remove any doubts on the parity of the system among the members of the community that might feel being “singled out” or being victims of profiling.
Studies have found that “procedural justice”-evincing the manner that police interacts with the community-and the establishment of the authority of the police is the best way to generate support and obedience among the community. It is resolved that when the police use equitable processes and allow the participation of the citizenry in its interactions with the community, this will greatly enhance the levels of compliance of the community with the police. Here, the authors strive to expound on the point by engaging an extensive study of the topic by research and analysis. This is to base their assertions on empirical evidence rather than just found the statements on anecdotal findings or mere declarations of witnesses in the community (pp. 261-265).
Overall, the presentation of the information in the article is thorough and informative. However, there is a degree of excessive presentation in having to proffer that the issue is endemic to police organizations across the globe. In remedying the situation, it is suggested that the topic be localized to adjust the situation to domestic rather than global contexts.
Reference
Mazzerole, L., Bennett, S., Davis, J., Sargent, E., and Manning, M (2013) Procedural justice and police legitimacy: a systematic review of the research evidence. Journal of Experimental Criminology Volume 9 pp. 245-274
