Crime Prevention, Domestic Security and Quality of Life: Definition and Significant Value of Community Policing
WHEREAS, for decades the IACP has recognized, acknowledged, and endorsed the value and effectiveness of community policing; and
WHEREAS, over the years various emphasis, attention, attitudes, and definitions have been given to the philosophy, principles, and practice of community policing; and
WHEREAS, it is beneficial to clearly define and identify the elements of community policing; and
WHEREAS, problem-solving through proactive partnerships and community trust building are recognized key elements of community policing; and
WHEREAS, police legitimacy and police efforts to enhance community trust can have a positive impact on the conditions that produce crime and are elemental to the practice of effective community policing; and
WHEREAS, the essential elements of community policing, including problem-solving through partnership, community trust building, the recognition of police legitimacy, and significant community involvement and responsibility, are the foundations of a definition that has been supported and recognized by the academic community;1 and
WHEREAS, these elements do contribute to a more positive and productive relationship between the police and the communities they serve, where community policing has value internationally as an approach that will lead to a safer environment for the community and the police worldwide; and
WHEREAS, community policing seeks to reduce crime and fear of crime by having an impact on crime causation factors while recognizing the importance of enhancing police legitimacy and providing for better accountability of police and government and greater concern for civil rights and liberties; and
WHEREAS, the IACP Community Safety Policy Council has agreed that a comprehensive definition of Community Policing should be one of its missions. Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police accepts, acknowledges, supports, and uses the following definition of community policing: “Community policing is a comprehensive philosophy that guides policy and strategy aimed at achieving more effective and efficient crime control, reduced fear of crime, improved quality of life, and improved police services and police legitimacy through a proactive reliance on community resources that seeks to change crime causing conditions. This assumes a need for greater accountability of police, elected community leaders, and the community in general, along with greater public share in decision-making through the identification of service needs and priorities and a greater concern for civil rights and liberties.”2
Submitted by: Community Policing Committee
Co-Sponsored by: Communications & Technology Committee, Crime Prevention Committee, Education & Training Committee, Forensics Committee, Committee on Homeland Security, Human & Civil Rights Committee, Juvenile Justice & Child Protection Committee, Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Committee, Police Administration Committee, Private Sector Liaison Committee, Police Professional Standards Ethics & Image Committee, Research Advisory Committee, Terrorism Committee, Transnational Crime Committee, Victim Services Committee
COM.01.19
2 Robert R. Friedmann, Community Policing: Comparative Perspectives and Prospects (New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 1992).
