COPPS and traditional bureaucracy

Community-oriented policing and problem solving is an approach that addresses the causes of crime and encourages long-term innovative problem solving , improving law enforcement-community partnerships with better quality communication (California Attorney General 's Office 2007 . This highlights the development of collaborative participation by police and communities to develop , implement and evaluate crime prevention and control programs . In this model , communities have a role in actual police activities and are considered actively responsible for the success of police programs (Office of Community Oriented Policing Services [OCOPS] , 2005b

In contrast with traditional policing

methods , communities also have policing responsibilities whereas before , there is a linear relationship between the police and communities with the former being the authority The model also differs from bureaucratic models particularly in that collaboration between participants is the main means of action versus the focus on the chain of command or authority (OCOPS , 2001a

Though the programs are proving to be effective not only in terms of controlling crime but also in development of community networks and support groups , there is still a need to develop evaluation standards to ensure efficiency and effectivity (OCOPS , 2005a . One of the main means of evaluation that have been developed is through the development of cross-sectional longitudinal community studies to evaluate programs (OCOPS 2001b . At the same time , one of the primary objectives of programs is to attain full representation of all community stakeholders to ensure that all perspectives can be evaluated and incorporated to their effort (OCOPS , 2001a . Ultimately , the greatest standard for programs is the objective of developing a criminal justice system that goes , beyond the apprehension and punishment of offenders . In developing COPPS programs justice is realized through the strengthening of corrective measures that support community responsibility and participation

References

California Attorney General 's Office (2007 . Community Oriented Policing . Safe State . Retrieved on May 30 , 2007 from http /safestate .org /index .cfm ?navId 7

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (2005a . A Guide to Developing , Maintaining , and Succeeding With Your School Resource Officer Program . Washington : US Department of Justice

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (2005b . COPS Innovations : Assessing School Related Crime and Dis . Washington : US Department of Justice

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (2001a . COPS Innovations - Creative Partnerships : Supporting Youth , Building Communities Washington : US Department of Justice

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (2001b . Guide to Using School COP to Address Student Discipline Problems . Washington : US Department of Justice

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