Defining community policing

Abstract

Discusses the definitions and interpretations of community policing (CP) given in academic literature. Looks at the wider concept of “community”. Analyzes the responses of 31 police leaders and 144 police officers in British Columbia, Canada who gave their interpretations of CP. Finds that the two groups interpret CP in different ways. Suggests that research on police perceptions of CP should be conducted at every level of the hierarchy and that findings should be analyzed in the light of various structures (social, etc.) in which the officer is employed and with regard to the roles in which the officer must operate.