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COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING

NCJ Number
34103
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 24 Issue: 3 Dated: (MARCH 1976) Pages: 78-81
Author(s)
D J LOEHR; P K QUINN
Date Published
1976
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS OF THE SUCCESSFUL TEAM POLICING PROGRAM IN BALLWIN (MO), A CITY OF 15,000 POPULATION LOCATED IN WEST SAINT LOUIS COUNTY.
Abstract
IN RESPONSE TO NATIONAL INCREASES IN CRIME RATES, THE BALLWIN POLICE DEPARTMENT BEGAN A REASSESSMENT OF ITS SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES DURING 1973. AIDED BY THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND GOALS REPORTS AND THEIR PREDECESSOR, 'THE CHALLENGE OF CRIME IN A FREE SOCIETY', THE DEPARTMENT DESIGNED ITS COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING PROGRAM, WHICH IS CHARACTERIZED BY POLICE EFFORTS TO INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY IN CRIME PREVENTION AND BY A REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT INTO SECTOR POLICE TEAMS. SPECIAL PROGRAMS OF THE BALLWIN POLICE INCLUDE WELCOME CONTACTS BY POLICE WITH EACH NEW RESIDENT, OPERATION OF A BURGLARY ADVISORY UNIT, CITIZEN AIDES IN COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION, A PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM, AND A POLICE 'STOP AND TALK' PROGRAM WHERIN OFFICERS MAKE IT A PRACTICE TO STOP AND CONVERSE WITH CITIZENS. THE POLICE HAVE ALSO ADOPTED A NON-MILITARY ORGANIZATIONAL STYLE AND BLAZER UNIFORMS FOR CERTAIN PERSONNEL.