What does community policing emphasize?

Community policing emphasizes building relationships with community members as a fundamental approach to law enforcement. This strategy encourages police officers to engage with residents, understand their concerns, and collaborate on solutions to enhance public safety. The quality of these relationships is crucial, as it fosters trust and partnership between law enforcement and the community, promoting a greater sense of safety and community ownership.

This approach contrasts with strictly enforcing laws or increasing police presence, which can sometimes create a more adversarial dynamic. By prioritizing engagement and collaboration, community policing aims to address the root causes of crime and disorder while facilitating a more proactive and supportive role for officers in the neighborhoods they serve.