Where there is a will, there is a way. For the past twenty years or more, we have been hearing from various levels in the police service about Community Policing. There is evidence to show that there has not been talking only, but real attempts have indeed been made at its implementation. A well structured community policing system benefits the police service, the public and the country as a whole. It begs the question, why after so many years we are yet to have a proper system of community policing.
Community Policing is a philosophy that differs from traditional law enforcement measures. In simple terms, it is a strategy that focuses on police building ties and working closely with members of the communities in which they serve. This requires engaging members of the communities in prevention measures as well as in problem solving. A fundamental tenet of community policing is one of mutual trust which can only be built over a period of time. In establishing such trust the character and values of both parties are critical elements for success, bearing in mind trust is not commodity that can be purchased but must be earned. Though some observers may view community policing as a normative concept synonymous to traditional policing, the truth remains that a well structured community policing system will in the first instance greatly enhance the relationship between the police and public thereby facilitating the processes for the police to carry out their traditional functions. Justification for community policing arose from the failure of traditional law enforcement measures to adequately solve crimes and maintain law and order.
Implementation of the concept carries with it an additional cost to the police service in terms of human as well as physical resources. Just as the Criminal Investigation Department investigates crimes and the Traffic Department regulates the flow of vehicular traffic, so is the requirement for a Community Police Department to carry out its functions. However as alluded to earlier, the members selected for the department must clearly understand and greatly appreciate the functions they are required to carry out. For that reason, it would make sense not to select members from the Criminal Investigation Department and the Drug Squad who have been exposed in carrying out house searches and making arrests.
This gives rise to the question how does the service reconcile the contradictory situation of enforcing the law on one hand and befriending the public on the other. This is the precise reason why a Community Police Department is required, whose role is to inform the public of the difficulties that confront the police, because there will arise unpleasant situations; for no one likes to experience his or her house being searched or a family member arrested, nor should the police take pleasure in doing so. It is therefore incumbent on the police at all times to be seen as being sincere, respectful, fair and firm. By so doing, trust will be earned.
Community Police Department in practical terms may be described as the social department of the service and is therefore required to take active part both in civic and social activities it the community; not for relaxation or entertainment but for performing a duty in uniform. Examples of the activities may include visiting schools, organizing sporting activities, coordinating neighbourhood watch and resuscitating a Drug Awareness Resistance Education programme (D.A.R.E). Even going to funerals in uniform of the deceased in the community will greatly enhance the relationship not only with deceased’s family but also with the community as a whole. What about making Police Week a consistent annual affair?
It is impossible to outline in detail in any one article, every aspect that relates to community policing. It is only hoped that this is seen as a conceptual framewok that will generate meaningful discussions that may unite the will with the way in the context of our police service.
Great idea and long needed. Now to get the powers that be to agree and put the necessary materials, resources, policies in place ASAP
!!! I wonder if you expressed those views when you were in uniform. I think you could take a break from your church activity to be a consultant on community policing and assist in the establishment of the Community Police Department.
Carbon will not listen because he knows it all. What Mr. Martin said is well know by the deputy and has been said to the Chief but because uts not his idea then its useless. Time will tell.
Always Assertive!
Well Documented, and a precise frame work brought about by one of the best in the business. Having said that, its a myth and dishonest, authorance by some who think, as MR. Martin pointed out, community Policing has been tried and suceeded in the past as stated by the writer, the apparent problem in my opinion the concept of Community police as we are made to understand it, there should be more demonstration by thepositive actions on the ground by our comrades in the police force at present, the apparent viki vie, approach towards community Police cannot, and will not bear fruit and command the public trust unless we conduct our selves in a manner befitting emulating by members of the public. The approach of do as i say but not as i do mentality can only push members of the public futher away from working with our police force and forming that mariage between our police and the public, only then we will begin to bare fruits in our efforts. i totally agree with MR. Martin, PW, has T.C.
Brilliant! Great perspective to ponder.