There Are Three Types of Policing Models

Criminal Justice covers every aspect of our legal system. From police through the courts on to correctional facilities and even covering probation and parole. As a criminal justice major, I am learning more and more about how our legal system works. It is here that am going to share a part of that and ask you for your opinion.

One of the aspects that I have covered is the three different types of policing models that there are. Three different models are used within the United States with each police department having their own mode that they use. A police department may use traditional policing; problem solving policing and community oriented policing.

After explaining the three different models of policing, I would love it if you would take the time to share what type of model your local police department seems to be using. Then tell me what type of policing model you think they should be using. This way we can all get a better understanding of what the people truly want from their law enforcement.

Traditional Policing:

Within a traditional policing model, the police officer would respond when a call came in that a crime occurred. Once the officer responded to the crime, the officer would then take a report and hand the investigation off to a detective. At this point, the officer would go back to his patrol car and wait for another call to come in that a crime had occurred.

The officer has little interaction with the citizens within a community and can end up responding to crimes at various points in the city. The officer does not know hardly anyone in the areas where he is responding nor do the citizens really know the officers.

Also under this type of policing, there is nothing in place to try to prevent crime from occurring. It is just a supply and demand sort of policing system.

You have seen the police shows were a crime took place and no witnesses are talking. Well in this police shows this is the type of policing model that is being used.

Problem Solving Policing:

Within this model there is an emphasis on trying and prevent crime from happening. This policing model has detectives watching for patterns in crimes to help understand when and how crimes are being committed. Once they have a pattern they will search for ways in which to help prevent crimes from continuing to happen in those areas.

This model has more of a proactive stance than the traditional policing models do. Police shows such as the Profiler that shows FBI agents looking for a pattern to try to catch a criminal are showing this form of policing.

Community Oriented Policing:

Within this model the officers will take a more community involvement stance. No longer does an officer sit in his patrol car and wait for a call that a crime has happened. Within this type of policing, the officers will have a zone in which to work in during their shifts. This is their area and they will work to get to know the citizens of the community and help out in anyway they can. The officers will make their presence known and also rely on community citizens to report any suspicious behavior or tips on criminals in the area.

This method takes a lot of trust on the officer's part as well as the citizen's part. They will have to trust each other and know that each other is looking out for them. Many citizens have stated to several agencies that when they know the officers they start to view them as part of their family and are willing to look out for "their officers" and help keep them safe.

The old black and white show Andy Griffin shows Mayberry and all the towns' people at one time or another coming to Andy with a minor problem and he was always willing to help. Well this show falls under the whole Community Policing mode where the officer is a friend and willing to help the citizens and get to know them. Then when something bad happens the whole community will pull together to stop the crimes from happening or continuing.

Now that I have pointed out the differences in the three policing models. Look at your area where you live and share with us what policing model your police department uses and the policing model you wish they would use. Let your voice be heard on this issue.