Community Policing
Definition
A philosophy where police and residents work together as partners to solve problems and prevent crime, not just respond to 911 calls. Community policing emphasizes officers building relationships through foot patrols, attending community meetings, and addressing quality-of-life issues before they escalate. Research shows community policing improves police-community trust, reduces fear of crime, and can decrease crime rates 10-20%. Implementation requires dedicated staffing and neighborhood engagement.