Is community policing a solution to crime?

By Nic
@academic2 (7000)
Uganda
April 18, 2007 12:22am CST
Community policing is working very well in my country. People have suffered in the hands of robbers long enough and they now believe, volunteering information about criminal activity to the police is the right thing to do. This has led to arrest of many criminals over the last few years. Do you have this concept of community policing in your country? Has it helped to reduce crime?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@kykidd (6812)
• United States
18 Apr 07
Yes, in America we have the Neighborhood Watch program which is very effective. I've always said there is nothing better than a nosey neighbor when it comes to home security. We also have what they call "Crime Stoppers" in our area. It is a very effective program that you can call in anonymously, and people can also get paid if your call leads to an arrest. I think both are great ideas. Too bad your country has just thought of this idea.
@academic2 (7000)
• Uganda
10 May 08
Our version of community policing here in uganda is very horible, they end up killing anybody they nab commiting crime should the police which is the formal aresting authority delay to arrive at the scene of crime!
@timou87 (1638)
• Singapore
9 May 08
Community Policing hs proven immensely popular in many coutries that have a large and dense population. However, it is never a full substitute for professional policing as they are not empowered fully by the court and law unlike professional law enforcers. Also, it is worrying that coummunity police might take matters into their own hands when tackling a criminal, but thankfully that seldom seems to be the case.
@academic2 (7000)
• Uganda
10 May 08
I agree with you asolutely timou87! Thanks for this response-it surely cant be a full substitute to professional policing
@judyt00 (3497)
• Canada
18 Apr 07
As long as they don't have weapons, a neighbourhood watch, out patroling isa great deterrent to crime. Just knowing that someone is there, probably watching, and willing to call the police if they see anything suspicious will make many criminals think twice about hitting a specific neighbourhood. Hell, even the signs that they are present can do that. I used to live in ahigh crime area, and the neighbourhood residents got to gether one spring and started a patrol, with police involvement, and crime went down drastically even on days when nobody was out patroling.
@academic2 (7000)
• Uganda
10 May 08
Yeah, weapons can mak the idea of policing by unarmed members of the community very difficult and risky! Thanks for your response
@maliki2 (255)
• United States
12 May 08
I think the eyes and ears approach is the best. Unfortunately I think some take community policing a bit far and that can lead to unsafe conditions. Don't confront robbers etc....that can only cause more problems. But if you see a crime in progress then call it in immediately!