NCJ Number
253712
Journal
Policing & Society Dated: 2018
Date Published
April 2019
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study interviewed 20 police officers about their perspectives on hot spots policing and foot patrol prior to the implementation of the Dayton Foot Patrol Program.
Abstract
Police personnel's view on hot spots policing can provide insight into the practice of hot spots policing and potentially ensure hot spots policing programs are more realistic prior to their implementation. Themes that emerged from the current study's data indicate officers were generally supportive of hot spots foot patrols in short, intermittent bursts. The officers believed foot patrols could improve police-community relations, facilitate intelligence gathering, reduce crime via deterrence and stealthy arrests, and provide exercise. The officers critiqued foot patrol for being resource intensive, potentially decreasing officer safety, being physically demanding, and limiting access to vital equipment. The officers critiqued hot spots policing more generally for potentially resulting in boredom or spatial displacement. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for hot spots foot patrols generally, as well as how they helped guide the development and implementation of the Dayton Foot Patrol Program. (publisher abstract modified)