Citation

Bichler G, Gaines LK. Crime Delinq. 2005; 51(1): 53-74.

Affiliation

Department of Criminal Justice, California State University, San Bernardino, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0011128704265936

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Problem solving begins with problem identification. Conventional knowledge suggests that because patrol officers work specific geographical areas (beats) on a fairly constant basis, they come to see where the problems exist; thus, police experience alone can be relied on to identify crime problems. However, few have examined whether officers are effective in identifying problems in their areas. This research examined the consistency of officer problem identification across focus groups for an entire police department in terms of the kinds of problems identified, the location of problems, and the suggested responses. Although there was little consistency across focus groups, officers were able to identify specific sites or properties thought to generate high levels of disorder-related calls. Solutions to crime problems tended to involve increased police presence for complex problems affecting areas and crime prevention for specific sites facing single-crime problems.