Community-Oriented Policing (COP) is a policing strategy that focuses on building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community to prevent crime and solve problems. Some characteristics of Community-Oriented Policing include:
1. Partnerships: COP emphasizes collaboration between police departments and community members, local government, social service agencies, and other organizations to address public safety concerns collectively.
2. Problem-Solving: COP encourages proactive problem-solving approaches that aim to identify underlying causes of crime and disorder in communities, rather than just reacting to incidents.
3. Prevention: COP places a strong emphasis on crime prevention through community engagement, education, and the implementation of strategies tailored to specific community needs.
4. Decentralized Decision-Making: In COP, decisions are often made at the local level, allowing police officers to work closely with community members to address concerns specific to their neighborhoods.
Therefore, a characteristic that is not typically associated with Community-Oriented Policing is:
- Strict Hierarchical Structure: Unlike traditional top-down policing models, COP often involves a more decentralized structure that empowers officers to work closely with community members and make decisions collaboratively.
By fostering trust, communication, and cooperation between police and the community, Community-Oriented Policing aims to create safer and more vibrant neighborhoods where residents and law enforcement work together to address public safety issues effectively.
