Does community policing offer an opportunity to improve policing services in the United States? Why or why not? Does it offer opportunities in the fight against terrorism? Why or why not?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Community policing certainly has the potential to improve policing services in the United States, but police organizations are very resistant to change. The philosophy that underlies community policing is promising. Police agencies should work with the community and community agencies, coordinating priorities and sharing responsibilities for community safety. If a department fully commits to community policing, and the community commits to the collaboration, policing services would certainly improve. Community policing is also critical in the fight against terrorism. Critical to the war on terrorism is the gathering, sharing, and disseminating of street-level intelligence about potential signs of terrorist activities. The bonds that should have been built for community policing will be helpful as community members hopefully will provide information important to the intelligence processes. Another important aspect of community policing is partnering with various community agencies and organizations, including business. Again, these partners will be helpful in the area of terrorism because some types of businesses will have contact with plotting terrorists because they provide important training and material.