Significance of Community Policing - Essay Example

The minority communities frequently feel “over-policed” and under-protected, which heightens mistrust and perceptions of unfair treatment. The growing significance of large and diverse numbers of immigrants coupled with an increasing threat of terrorism and ethnic gangs has forced the realignment of law enforcement agencies in matters regarding community policing.

Crime prevention is the responsibility of everyone; its effectiveness hinges on the cooperation of all elements of the community inclusive of minority, ethnic, and immigrant communities. Engaging the minority and immigrant communities aids in diluting the barriers of apathy and mistrust and forging meaningful partnerships between law enforcement and the minority and immigrant communities (Bowling & Philips, 2003). The building of trusting relationships is crucial to the reduction of crime and prevention of terrorism.

Community policing in minority, ethnic, and immigrant communities is essential to the success of law enforcement activities within the society. Effective and productive policing activities depend on the input of residents inclusive of minorities and immigrant communities. Nevertheless, when residents lack key ingredients such as confidence and trust, as is often the case of minorities and immigrant communities, it is almost impossible for the police to establish a working relationship with the minorities. In addition, community policing is critical to building the legitimacy of law enforcement agencies in the eyes of minorities, which is essential to the success of law enforcement in solving and preventing crime (Bowling & Philips, 2003).

The building of trustworthy relationships is challenging due to the litany of strained and often volatile relationships between law enforcement agencies and minorities. The impediments that constrain the emergence of trustworthy relationships such as fear of deportation, cultural misconstructions, as well as language and communication barriers, should be resolved so as to enhance community policing.