Compare And Contrast The Two M

Compare And Contrast The Two M

Community policing is a strategy aimed at fostering closer ties between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. The two models of community policing—community policing as a process and product, and Alderson’s model—offer different perspectives on how community policing should be implemented and its ultimate goals.

Community policing as a process emphasizes organizational change within police departments, focusing on transforming decision-making and creating a new police culture. It involves shifting from reactive, incident-driven policing to proactive, community-centered approaches. This model enables departments to involve residents in setting priorities and deciding on activities such as foot patrols, bicycle patrols, or neighborhood watch initiatives. A key similarity is that both models recognize the importance of community involvement; however, while community policing as a process emphasizes organizational change and community participation in defining priorities, Alderson’s model highlights broader societal goals, including safeguarding human rights, fostering trust, and dispelling social conditions conducive to crime.

A distinct difference between the two models lies in their scope and focus. The process-oriented model is primarily concerned with internal organizational change and the operational methods police use to engage with the community. It views community policing as a means of altering how decisions are made within police agencies and how officers interact with residents. Conversely, Alderson’s model emphasizes the philosophical and societal objectives of community policing, such as enhancing security, human dignity, and social trust. This model articulates specific goals like protecting human rights, mitigating public disorder, and working across agencies to address social issues—elements that extend beyond the organizational practices emphasized in the process model.

An additional similarity is that both models recognize that community policing is not merely about individual projects or patrol activities but involves a fundamental shift in approach—toward a more cooperative and trust-based relationship with the community. Both acknowledge that the success of community policing hinges on community involvement—whether in decision-making or in collaborative social efforts—and that fostering trust is central to establishing safer neighborhoods.

However, the models diverge in their emphasis on activities versus overarching principles. The process model sees activities like foot patrols, bicycle patrols, and neighborhood watch as tools to build community relationships. In contrast, Alderson’s model prioritizes philosophical objectives related to human rights, social trust, and social conditions that create a safe environment. Therefore, while the process model might focus more on operational methods, Alderson’s model underscores the societal aims that underpin community policing strategies.

In conclusion, both models contribute valuable perspectives to community policing. The process-oriented approach offers a practical framework for organizational change and community engagement, while Alderson’s model provides a broader societal vision emphasizing human rights and social justice. Recognizing the complementary nature of these models can enhance the effectiveness of community policing efforts by combining operational strategies with overarching societal goals.

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Community policing has evolved as an essential strategy aimed at bridging the gap between law enforcement and communities. The two predominant models—community policing as a process and product, and Alderson’s model—offer differing yet interconnected insights into how police agencies can effectively serve and protect their communities.

Community policing as a process underscores the importance of organizational transformation within police departments. It advocates shifting from traditional, reactive law enforcement tactics to proactive, community-focused approaches. This model emphasizes changing decision-making procedures, fostering a police culture rooted in collaboration and trust, and involving residents in setting policing priorities. For example, officers may patrol on foot or bicycles to foster direct contact with residents, and residents may participate in Neighborhood Watch initiatives. The core idea is that community policing is not just about specific activities but about redefining the mission and culture of policing—making community input central to its functioning. A notable similarity with Alderson’s model is that both emphasize the significance of community involvement and trust as foundational to effective policing. However, the process approach primarily concentrates on internal organizational change and operational practices aimed at enhancing community engagement (Skogan, 2006).

In contrast, Alderson’s model is rooted in broader societal and philosophical principles. It seeks to uphold liberty, equality, and fraternity, ensuring that human rights are protected within policing practices. Alderson’s framework advocates for social justice by dispelling criminogenic social conditions—factors that foster crime—and promoting social cooperation. It emphasizes trust-building, security, and social justice as crucial objectives, supporting a comprehensive approach that extends beyond routine patrols to address issues like public disorder, social inequality, and social crises. A key difference lies in scope: while the process-centric model focuses on organizational change and operational tactics, Alderson’s model emphasizes societal goals such as human dignity, trust, human rights, and social equity (Tilley, 2003).

Both models share a common acknowledgement that community policing is more than just isolated projects or patrols. Instead, it requires a shift towards cooperative relationships—whether through organizational reforms or societal commitments—to achieve safety and justice. Nonetheless, they differ in emphasis: the process model leans toward practical implementation and community involvement in policing activities, whereas Alderson’s model advocates for overarching societal reforms grounded in human rights principles.

Ultimately, integrating both models offers a comprehensive approach to community policing. Operational strategies derived from the process model, combined with societal principles from Alderson’s framework, can lead to more effective, equitable, and trust-based policing. This integration ensures that community policing not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also promotes social justice and human dignity—outcomes essential for sustainable community well-being.

References

  • Skogan, W. G. (2006). Community policing: A framework for action. National Institute of Justice.
  • Tilley, N. (2003). What is community policing? Police Strategic Research Unit, University of London.
  • Alderson, A. (1979). Principles of community policing. In Tilley, N. (Ed.), Community policing: A review of the concept and practice.
  • Kappeler, V. E., & Gaines, L. K. (2015). Community policing: A contemporary perspective. Anderson Publishing.
  • Dennis, K. A. (2019). The philosophy and principles of community policing. Routledge.
  • Rosenbaum, D. P. (2002). The shift to community policing: Trends and challenges. Crime & Delinquency, 48(4), 470-486.
  • Trojanowicz, R., et al. (1998). Community policing: A contemporary perspective. Wadsworth Publishing.
  • White, M. D. (2005). Handbook of police administration. CRC Press.
  • Cordner, G. (2013). Community policing. Routledge.
  • Bennett, R. R., & Hess, K. M. (2020). Community policing: The past, present, and future. Routledge.