Citation

Long J, Wells W, De Leon-Granados W. Police Pract. Res. 2002; 3(3): 231-246.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15614260220150618

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Community Policing theory is personified by law enforcement organizations serving as catalysts for social change by enabling and empowering community-led involvement in the creation and maintenance of safety and order. Evidence suggests, however, that this personification is overshadowed by a reality marked by expanded law enforcement power and limited community involvement. A prominent explanation for a lack of significant community involvement is that community members are less than willing to put forth and sustain, or buy into, the effort required of effective collaboration with law enforcement. Although the lack of community buy-in offers a valid explanation, it may also oversimplify the complexity associated with coordinated responses to community and social problems. A case study of a community policing response to domestic violence is used to deconstruct the process of implementing a community and police partnership in law enforcement space. Several factors are identified that undermine both law enforcement and community involvement with the partnership.