Community Policing in Local Police Departments, 1997 and 1999

Based on the 1997 and 1999 Law Enforcement Management and Administration Statistics surveys, this report focuses on changes in the prevalence of community oriented policing policies, programs, and activities. The community policing approach to law enforcement seeks to address the causes of crime and reduce the fear of crime and social disorder through problem-solving strategies and police-community partnerships. A fundamental shift from traditional reactive policing, community policing strives to prevent crime before it occurs. Subject areas covered include personnel, training, community based activities, and computers and information systems.