What does the implementation of community policing aim to enhance?

The implementation of community policing aims to enhance visibility and relationships with citizens because it fundamentally shifts the approach law enforcement takes in interacting with the community. Community policing emphasizes collaboration between police officers and community members to identify and solve problems related to crime and disorder. This approach fosters trust, encourages open communication, and promotes partnerships that are vital for effective policing.

By focusing on building relationships, community policing allows officers to better understand the specific needs and concerns of the community they serve. Increased visibility of officers in the neighborhood—through foot or bicycle patrols, for example—also helps to build rapport and gather intelligence that can aid in crime prevention. This proactive style of policing is aimed at enhancing public safety and creating a sense of community ownership over local issues, rather than relying solely on traditional law enforcement tactics.