Community Policing: Trendy or Effective": 75paucity of residential care for the mentally ill have created the need for a more
humanistic, collaborative approach to policing. The perception that community
service officers do less work under more favorable conditions adds to the resent-
ment felt by other officers (J. Patterson, 1995). Resentment can also be felt by
neighborhoods that are not targeted by community policing.
Another criticism of community policing is that community membership in
neighborhood or block organizations usually includes only a small portion of resi-
dents and even fewer are active members (Buerger, 1994). In addition, membership
is typically "... dominated by homeowners and by White residents in racially mixed
areas" (Buerger, 1994, p. 412). Research suggests that citizens in neighborhoods
that need community policing are frequently the most distrustful of the police. This
phenomenon was illustrated by Sandra's letter. The fear of retaliations from drug
dealers or gang members as a result of cooperating with the police can also hinder
community involvement (T. M. Joseph, 1994).
Forensic Psychology and Policy Implications
The research clearly demonstrates the need for more systematic evaluations ot com-
munity policing programs. Anticrime policy needs to be supported by social science
research reflecting long-term effects and rigorous methodologies. Forensic psychol-
ogists can undertake the task of program evaluation and the testing of new policing
strategies in order to help identify those which are most effective. Kennedy and
Moore (1997) state that,
|b]y implication, since social science does not now play this role in policing on
any large scale, social science, practiced by outsiders, should gradually come to be a
considerably more central and influential part ot policing than is currently the case.
(p. 47+)The forensic psychologist has the benefit of training in research methodologies,
criminological theories, and criminal justice administration.
Community policing is an attempt to foster stronger relationships between of-
ficers and the community to facilitate crime prevention. In order for this approach
to work, police departments must shift the focus of training from paramilitaristic
techniques to those that promote cooperation with citizens. Walters (1993) indi-
cates that the highest standards of discipline and professionalism must be exhibited
by officers to maintain credibility and involvement from the communities. Careful
personnel selection and training is critical, particularly with regard to police dis-
cretion. Forensic psychologists can assist this process by utilizing psychological tests
and employment interviews or screenings.
In addition, criminal justice administrators must be sensitive to the needs of
both the citizens in the community and those of the police officers. Large-scale