Police agencies in 30 states report using preventive policing programs to reduce crime without compromising civil liberties or community relations, University of Toledo law Prof. David Harris contends in a new book, “Good Cops: The Case for Preventive Policing.” What Harris calls a “revolution in policing,” is based on research in cities including Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York, Seattle, Boston, Indianapolis, and St. Paul.
Preventive policing emphasizes police/citizen collaborations, police accountability, problem solving tactics, changes in the police culture, and innovative law enforcement leadership. Officials report that the methods help reduce litigation that costs cities tens to hundreds of millions in legal settlements each year. Harris argues that the Bush administration is harming the policing reforms by turning local police forces into “adjunct anti-terrorist and immigration control forces” and seeking to cut federal aid for community policing programs.
Link: www.goodcops.net