What is the goal of community policing?

The goal of community policing fundamentally revolves around enhancing collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. This approach recognizes that police cannot effectively address crime and safety issues in isolation; instead, building strong partnerships with community members is essential for identifying problems, sharing information, and working together to develop solutions.

Community policing emphasizes proactive strategies and community involvement, leading to improved trust and communication between the police and the public. By focusing on collaboration, law enforcement can better understand the specific needs and concerns of the community, leading to more effective policing strategies that not only address crime but also promote overall community well-being.

This approach differs from merely increasing arrest rates or emphasizing crime prevention alone, as it aims for a broader impact on community quality of life and public safety through partnership and problem-solving. Additionally, supporting the criminal justice system is not the sole focus of community policing; rather, the emphasis is on active engagement with the community.