Community-Oriented Policing

Can you imagine what our criminal justice system will look like in 2030, 2050, and beyond? It
is not too early for all citizens to think about this as 2020 is only four years away. There are
several emerging trends in criminal justice today, but there is one that has been developing more
steam over the years, community-oriented policing, which is most times abbreviated as COP. It
is a very fascinating phenomenon that includes the community’s efforts in helping police
eliminate crime. Want to catch the bad guys and girls? Here is your opportunity!
To help in bringing the community and citizens in general closer to those in uniform, some
police departments have started implementing strategy sessions within their communities such as
Warner Robins Georgia Police Department’s “Coffee with a Cop” monthly event. In addition,
the Fort Valley Georgia Police Department has launched a program called “Front Porch Roll
Call.” Such programs’ main focus is to build better relationships between its officers and the
community. This is a step in the right direction and one that embodies the community-oriented
policing concept.
There is an old saying that states it takes a village to raise a child—this is so true and is why
school officials, law enforcement personnel, church leaders and county/city administrators play
such a huge role in helping reduce juvenile delinquency and crime in neighborhoods across the
nation. Now, you can take an active role in this effort with programs such as citizen’s patrols and
neighborhood watchman, just to name a few. So, the next time you see those blue lights or the
officer ordering at the local McDonalds drive through, think about what you can do to help in
bringing this emerging trend of community-oriented policing to life.
For more information on the programs discussed in this article, visit the following links:
http://www.41nbc.com/2016/02/02/fvpd-to-launch-front-porch-roll-call/
http://wrpolice.blogspot.com/2016/01/coffee-with-cop-at-mcdonalds.html
http://www.nacop.org/whatarecop.htm

Author: Tosha Wilson-Davis