This guide is part of a series of guides known collectively as the "Problem-Oriented Guides for Police." It summarizes what local government executives should know about policing that directly impacts public safety, and it recommends how a local government executive can promote public safety and effective policing. In addition, it presents core information about what is known of how local governments can effectively prevent and control some common public safety problems. An overview of general approaches to policing reviews the features of problem-oriented policing, situational crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, "broken windows" policing, zero-tolerance policing, CompStat, and the traditional policing model. This is followed by an overview of specific responses to some common public safety problems. These include the control of alcohol distribution and consumption, close drug markets, property owners' and managers' control of activity in and around their properties, and the design and management of parks. Other specific public safety issues addressed are the promotion of safe schools, reduction in vehicle-related crime, prevention of repeat burglaries, prevention of shoplifting, the control of speeding in residential neighborhoods, the minimization of graffiti, the control of public disorderly behavior, and the efficient use of police time.