The five sites were selected as a representative cross-section of communities--from large, metropolitan San Diego, to the medium-sized cities of Santa Ana and Santa Rosa, to the small, rural communities of Arroyo Grande and Fillmore. In addition, the five sites were selected for their geographic, ethnic, and economic diversity. They represent a broad range of innovative community policing strategies that reduce crime and create safer communities with a better quality of life. Components of each site's community policing approach are identified, organizational changes resulting from implementing COPPS are noted, and community partnerships that have formed as a result of COPPS are examined. 7 references and 1 figure