Problem Oriented Policing and Its Past, Present, and Future Implications

Throughout history, there has been research done to improve the effectiveness of policing. Many professionals came forth and introduced different concepts in the improvement of policing. The concept of problem-oriented policing, also know as "POP", was introduced by professor Herman Goldstein. His concept to policing was based on a pro-active response, rather than the typical re-active response that was followed for many years. His idea was to examine and analyze recurring crime and disorder issues that harm communities, in hopes to prevent or deter them in the future. It takes police a step beyond just handling an incident to finding symptoms that contribute to a certain crime or problem. Many law enforcement agencies have adopted the problem-oriented policing concept and studies have proven it to be effective.SARA

As Goldstein's concept spread among law enforcement agencies looking to improve the effectiveness of policing, the SARA model was developed as a problem-solving method in problem-oriented policing. SARA stands for scanning, analysis, response, and assessment. (Center for Problem-Oriented policing) Scanning consists of identifying the recurring problem of concern and identifying the consequences of the problem for the community & the police. Analysis is learning the problem's causes, scope, and effects. This consists of identifying data and conditions that precede and accompany the problem. Response is acting to alleviate the problem, which includes brainstorming for new interventions, outlining a plan and carrying it out. And last but not least, assessment is determining whether the response worked. This process consists of obtaining pre and post response data and analyzing it to determine if the objectives were attained.

Newport News Problem-Oriented Policing

One of the first experiments with problem-oriented policing occurred in Newport News, Virginia in the mid 1980's. (Walker-Katz) The project focused on recurring burglaries in a low income housing units within the city. They analyzed crime patterns in the area and conducted opinion surveys to the apartment complex residents. They found that deteriorated buildings were among one of the biggest factors for the burglary problem. Broken windows and doors made it easily accessible to criminals. In response to the Newport News findings, the police initiated meetings within the community and also with government agencies in an effort to improve the building conditions and surrounding area, in hopes of deterring criminals to easy access.

The future of problem-oriented policing

Many other problem-oriented police projects have been conducted throughout our country and also the world. These efforts will continue to find proactive strategies and effectiveness in policing. In 1990, the San Diego police department and Police Executive Research Forum (Perf) co-hosted the International Problem-Oriented Policing Conference and have continued every year since. This conference brings together hundreds of representatives from different police agencies and academic institutions to discuss and share their experiences and ideas of problem-oriented policing. The center for Problem-oriented policing was also created to promote the concept. It is a non-profit organization that includes affiliated police practitioners, researchers, and universities dedicated to the advancement of problem-oriented policing. They have designed a website at www.popcenter.org to make information about ways in which police can effectively address specific crime and disorder problems available to law enforcement agencies.

ConclusionProblem-oriented policing will continue to focus on finding ways to make policing more effective in our communities. As times change, different community concerns will arise and this concept has proven to be effective. Many law enforcement agencies have benefited from using Herman Goldstein's concept and will continue as the years go on.