Community Policing

This book provides comprehensive coverage of community policing, the philosophy and organizational strategy that expands the traditional police mandate of fighting crime to include forming partnerships with citizenry that endorse mutual support and participation. The first textbook of its kind, Community Policing delineates this progressive approach, combining the accrued wisdom and experience of its established authors with the latest research-based insights to help students apply what is on the page to the world beyond. 

The book extends the road map presented by Robert Trojanowicz, the father of community policing, and brings it into contemporary focus. The text has been revised throughout to include the most current developments in the field, including discussions of the 2020 protests and subsequent calls for police reform, and the rapid development of alternative responses for behavioral health and other non-criminal 911 calls. ?Spotlight on Community Policing Practice? features throughout the text focus on real-life community policing programs in various cities as well as problem-solving case studies. Also assisting the reader in understanding the material are Learning Objectives, Key Terms, and Discussion Questions, in addition to numerous links to resources outside the text.

An excellent resource for any undergraduate policing or law enforcement curriculum, this textbook is also suitable for introducing graduate students to the principles of community policing. 

?I use this book specifically to try to show [students] material outside of their box and the importance of connecting with the community and not just to enforce the laws. The book helps all students to see the importance of this type of policing and especially Chapter 12 (Toward a New Breed of Police Officer). The material allows me to incorporate the police personality and the issues they face.?

Dr. J. Anita Black Director of Criminal Justice Graduate Program, Lincoln Memorial University

?Whether you are a professor, student, or long-serving practitioner, this book offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking overview of community policing?s origin, its evolution, its purpose, and how it differs from traditional policing. When I teach community policing, I want students to understand that Community Policing is a philosophy, not a tactic and that this philosophy in not only for line officers but instead it should permeate the entire department.  I also want students to understand that community police officers can function to help their communities work through their problems and offer a spectrum of solutions based on their training, expertise, and education. This book directly supports these teaching goals with its thorough and accessible explanation of the philosophy of community policing and its explanation of specific evidence-based strategies and tactics that support the Community Policing philosophy.

Community Policing: A Contemporary Perspective provides a strong conceptual foundation and relevant resources that help students understand the linkages between community policing?s philosophy and strategies as well as the ability of community policing to build community trust and support effective police-community partnerships.?

Tom ?Tad? Hughes, JD, PhD Professor & Chair, Department of Criminal Justice, University of Louisville