What does the term "community policing" refer to?

The term "community policing" refers to a strategy that emphasizes building and maintaining relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. This approach fosters collaboration and engagement, encouraging police officers to interact positively with community members and understand their concerns and needs.

The essence of community policing lies in promoting proactive approaches to public safety and crime prevention, rather than reactive measures that mainly focus on intercepting criminals after a crime has occurred. By prioritizing strong ties with the community, law enforcement can better address local issues, enhance public trust, and create a more effective and responsive policing environment. This strategy involves innovative methods of problem-solving and often includes community resources, problem-solving teams, and collaborative initiatives to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods.