The article presents modern approach to the concept of community policing, taking into account the need to meet the diverse needs of communities in theoretically homogeneous societies.
The author presents situation of Poland in the context of political and economic changes, including a historical perspective, focusing on the factors which condition the diversity of needs resulting in the modern community policing concept. In the paper, the author compares the levels of crime in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, following their transformation process, and also indicates significant similarities in the policies of crime prevention and control. In addition, a pertinent analysis of the reasons for the increase in crime in these countries is presented, as well as important guidelines for police executives on the use of proactive and reactive strategies in the context of differences in theoretically homogeneous societies. Based on the business and system model, the correct approach to these issues is presented, characterized by a novel recognition in the area of ​​market segmentation characteristics for product strategy. The article indicates that the identification of segments in society and their needs fulfilment should be based on policing practices moderated by scientific reasoning. The proposed trends apply both to the officers and the entire police organization, while the changes require that the role of police in society be determined as perceived by the police themselves and the public. In the context of the suggested model, the guidelines of legal, human and scientific nature are presented. (Published Abstract)