Community Policing and Problem Solving, Definition of

Community policing and problem solving are two relatively new and distinct yet complementary concepts for addressing neighborhood crime and disorder. As a single philosophy, community policing and problem solving involves the systematic use of police-public partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the conditions that give rise to public safety issues, including crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. Because this approach was created in response to and is in stark contrast to the previous reform (or professional) era of policing that lasted for nearly a half century, it is important to understand the underlying precepts of that era; therefore, this entry begins by examining its basic tenets. Then the definition and purposes of community policing are discussed, followed by an examination of the transition ...