According to Miller, Hess, and Orthmann (2013), a majority of community problems often affect a targeted population or geographical location. In this regard, this trend calls for the need to implement a similar problem-solving tactic, one that focuses primarily on the affected region or population. This concept is managed through application of the SARA Model, an acronym that stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. The application of this tactic assists in managing problems in a logical and sequential manner, hence increasing chances of success in solving the issue at hand. This paper will apply SARA as a problem-solving methodology to solve an incessant problem at the community, that of an increasing number of burglaries in a specific apartment complex in the neighborhood.
Scanning
This step entails the accurate determination of the underlying problem. In this case, a problem needs to be defined in order to be effectively solved. In the context of the problem at hand, the issue is the increase in crime rate in the area, more specifically, in a specific apartment complex. This situation is of concern as it is a recurring problem, with almost three burglaries being reported every week for the past two months. The emerging consequence of this problem is increased anxiety levels as residents fear the problem will spread to the entire neighborhood. Also, there has been a mass exodus of residents leading to devaluation of property prices in the area. In this case, the increased number of burglaries in the targeted apartment complex is a problem that requires urgent attention.
Analysis
This aspect features the next step in the SARA model and it involves learning about the incident in question. In this regard, proper assessment is undertaken on the problem to determine its scope and identify the underlying causes. A proper analysis entails the collection of relevant data and assessing it from different points of perspectives in order to understand all angles of the problem and determine the true cause of the incident under study.
In the case of the situation presented, data collected in relation to the crime rate of the community indicates that the number of burglaries has increased significantly over the past two months. Initially, the community enjoyed a long period free from crime incidents until recently, approximately two months ago. More specifically, residents living in one apartment complex in the neighborhood have been victims of more than 70% of the number of burglaries reported in the area.
The spike in crime rate over this period can be explained by the collapse of the perimeter wall bordering the apartment complex, which previously separated the community from a relatively unsafe neighborhood.
Response
The step takes into consideration the development of a plan of action in response to the crime problem. In this regard, this involves brainstorming of potential solutions to the problem under focus. In addition, the assessment of how problems of a similar nature have been managed in other communities can provide valuable insight in solving the problem. Once a range of potential interventions have been suggested, the most appropriate course of action is determined and an action plan is implemented.
In this regard, the collapse of the community’s perimeter wall has been identified as the main reason for the increase in crime rate in the region. Therefore, the most suitable course of action would be to organize a funds-drive in the neighborhood, in which case the proceeds collected would be directed towards the re-construction of the wall.
The last phase of the SARA model takes into consideration the examination of the overall goal and whether the objectives previously identified were met. In addition, it also takes into consideration the effectiveness of the action plan and how it can be improved.
In the case of the community problem, after the wall was constructed, the rate of burglaries in the neighborhood has dropped significantly over the two months since construction. More specifically, burglaries in the apartment complex have become a thing of the past.
Reference
Miller, L. S., Hess, K. M., & Orthmann, C. M. H. (2013). Community policing: Partnerships for problem solving. Clifton Park: Delmar Publishers.
