NCJ Number
186238
Date Published
June 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report describes the work of the Community and Police Enforcement Scheme (CAPE) established in Newcastle, England, to increase citizen crime reporting, improve historically poor police-community relations, and ensure support for victims and witnesses to address concerns about witness intimidation.
Abstract
The program began in one area in April 1996 and started operating in St. Johns and six other areas in September 1998. Two community beat officers policed the St. Johns estate, which consisted of 300 households living mostly in public housing. Police records revealed that 40 St. John’s residents were CAPE members in May 1999 and that 76 residents were members by April 2000. Surveys conducted in March 1998 and March 1999 gathered information on reasons for joining CAPE, involvement in CAPE, and the benefits of CAPE. Results revealed that concern with the decreasing quality of life as a result of antisocial behavior and disorder and a desire to improve the situation were the main reasons for joining CAPE. CAPE members varied in their involvement. However, they unanimously supported the initiative. Findings indicated that CAPE is a potentially promising approach to improving police-community relations. Tables, figures, list of related publications, and 1 reference