Geo Policing the Community

A Neighborhood Policing Plan Assigns Officers to Specific Areas

Sep 13, 2009

Geographic based policing allows police officers to become more familiar with the neighborhoods they patrol and involves citizens in keeping communities safe.

The neighborhood police officer is returning to the neighborhood. Police departments throughout the United States are redefining the police officer’s role by using community based policing to create smaller geographical areas within large communities. In these smaller districts, police officers are better able to become more involved in the daily activities of the community; respond quicker to 911 calls; and work directly with residents, businesses, and schools in helping to solve problems.

Geographic Policing

Also known as community policing and neighborhood policing plan, geographic policing (geo policing) is used by police departments to focus on specific areas of a neighborhood or community to provide the police protection and services distinctive to that area. Neighborhoods are segmented either based on geographic region or on the frequency and types of incidents that require police assistance. For example, areas with higher numbers of crimes are created geographically smaller than areas with low crime rates.

Creating a Neighborhood Policing Plan

The process of creating smaller geographic areas starts with a crime analysis of the entire town or city. Police chiefs may work with crime analysts, captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and police officers to examine prior crime rates, statistics, and data. The analysis can take several years, and officials will usually consult with other cities or towns that have already implemented a neighborhood policing plan.

After careful analysis, the town or city will be divided into segments that will be best served by the police department. These districts will have a commander, supporting staff, and the number of police officers most beneficial for the area. Districts can be any size and shape, with boundaries determined by the types and amount of crime in a concentrated area. Heavily populated districts may be further divided into sectors, with a sergeant and police officers assigned to each sector. In cities and towns with little crime, boundaries can be major roads or highways, rivers, city blocks, or landmarks.

Community Based Policing

In community based policing, police departments work towards creating a positive environment for residents, businesses, and the police. Once districts have been established, residents are notified through public announcements and the media, and are provided with police contact information for their district.

When police officers patrol smaller areas, they form better relationships with the citizens and are able to respond quicker to emergencies. Police officers take “ownership” of their districts, and may visit businesses to introduce themselves as the contact person if an incident requiring police assistance should arise. In some cities, police officers are responsible for reducing the crime rate in their district or segment, and will consult and work with other officers in their district to prevent crime.

Benefits of Geo Policing

Community based policing combines the efforts of the police department and the citizens of a community to work together in identifying and reducing crime. In patrolling smaller districts, police officers are better able to understand the needs and concerns of its residents; and residents form better relationships with police officers.

The Future of Geo Policing

Since the early 1990s, many cities and towns across America have switched to community based policing. As more police departments examine the program and its effects, they are implementing the strategies within their community; but the program is not just for areas with high crime rates. One city that made the switch to geo policing is Cary, North Carolina. The town has one of the lowest crime rates in America, and chose to implement geo policing to strengthen relationships between police officers and citizens of the community.

Sources

BNC101

The copyright of the article Geo Policing the Community in Crime is owned by Janice Therese Mancuso. Permission to republish Geo Policing the Community in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.