7.5: Community Policing and Problem Oriented Policing-Defined

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Community Oriented Policing (COP) and Problem Oriented Policing COP) burst onto the police scene, primarily in the New York City Police Department in 1990’s touted as the “silver bullet” for addressing crime issues in the Big Apple. Community Policing was in place in many police organizations well before this, but under the guise of community service; particularly in smaller police agencies (10-25 sworn members). The increased crime notoriety and attention garnered in major cities added expediency to the issue of addressing crime in a more effective and efficient fashion; ergo the Community Oriented and Community Policing philosophies gained prominence among policy makers.

What is COP and POP? And why does it deserve attention? These are often misunderstood and considered strategies rather than as a philosophy that focuses on the way that departments are organized and managed and how the infrastructure can be changed to support the philosophical shift that may support community policing. They are both defined as a philosophy but COP is designed to build partnerships within the community that are helpful to resolve issues and problems (Goldstein, 2001 cited by Choi, Turner, & Volden, 2002). Whereas POP is a management strategy that further breaks disorder, disruption, criminal activity and criminal enterprise into more microscopic units for examination. POP utilizes crime data analysis, community input and police officer experience to develop a strategic and systemic approach to resolving the issues impacting quality of life. POP is generally employed for purpose of finality rather than simply relocating the problem. Both philosophies (strategies incorporated) place greater value on prevention through public and private collaborations for the sole purpose of increasing the quality of life while reducing crime and the fear of crime. Most often these are employed through robust strategies with a commitment to implement long-term strategy, rigorously evaluating its effectiveness, and, subsequently, reporting the results in ways that will benefit other police agencies and that will ultimately contribute to building a body of knowledge that supports the further professionalization of the police (Goldstein, 2001 cited by Choi et al., 2002).