Community Policing: A Caribbean Case Study

Implementation of Community Policing

The strategy began with foot patrols in six housing districts in 1991. Patrol officers were to focus on crime prevention and interact with members of the community to improve relations and glean a better understanding of the community's needs. The service expected the following benefits:

• An increase in the level of safety and comfort to citizens
• A deterrent to would-be offenders
• An increase in the detection rate of crimes in the community
• An increase in the involvement of members of the community in crime fighting
• A greater level of confidence in the police
• An improved relationship with youths in the community, providing an opportunity to influence them positively
• A better understanding of the police role in the community

In 1994, motorcycle patrols were introduced into the housing districts. These officers were to visit schools, businesses, and government buildings in the communities. The community policing officers were well received in the communities. However, many community members viewed the patrols as only a step in the right direction.

In early 1996, the police administration determined that the community policing strategy was not having the desired effect and, subsequently, the initiative lost momentum. The strategy's limited success apparently stemmed from the administration's failure to formalize the program, a prerequisite to “focus, commitment, and resources necessary to achieve the goals and objectives” (Office of the Commisioner of Police, 1996, p. 4). This experience prompted the development of a formal community policing program.

The Formalized Community Policing Program

On November 11, 1996, the TTPS formalized a community policing program. Community policing was introduced as a deliberate crime-fighting strategy, involving the police and community working jointly to reduce “crime, violence, fear, insecurity and community decay” (Office, 1996, pp. 1–2). The program was expected to change fundamentally the structure and operational procedures of the organization. This plan differed from the previous initiative, as it outlined the strategy, rationale, mission, vision, expected outcomes, and the implementation and evaluation processes. It also emphasized that the program was both a philosophy and a strategy requiring the police and community to work together to solve problems.

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