The philosophy of community policing emphasizes the idea of partnership between the public and private sectors and has reconceptualized the police role in society both in theory and in practice. By the early 1980's, research was revealing that police methods that emphasized increased police-citizen interactions could reduce both crime and fear of crime. Thus, citizens were becoming co-producers of public safety. However, the philosophy of community policing is not revolutionary when considered from a long-range historical context. Community policing has been implemented in varying ways, most recently through problem-oriented policing (POP). POP is being implemented at five test sites. It emphasizes the expertise and creativity of line patrol officers in studying problems, developing innovative solutions, and becoming more closely involved with neighborhood residents. It also proposes a four-step decisionmaking model that consists of scanning, analysis, response, and assessment. San Diego's experience indicates that this approach will have positive results. 35 references