In the same lines as the Hippocratic Oath every doctor has got to take before being properly instated as such, police forces nowadays have signed up to the Policing Pledge, which aims to restore public confidence in their true intentions of improving society and bridge the gap between authorities and the rest of the population.
A crucial role in ensuring that takes place is passed on to neighbourhood policing teams, which will maintain a constant and close contact with the residents of the areas they are in charge of, by holding meetings on a monthly basis, to make sure problem such as anti-social behaviour don’t go unreported due to any distrust locals might feel towards the police and their willingness to actually solve the matters brought to their attention. In general, neighbourhood policing teams consist of mainly police officers; in addition, police community support officers, and a number of special constables – all playing their part in what seems to be a very well-structured, efficient plan. Unlike their peers, neighbourhood policing teams are much easier to approach by anyone and encourage a greater familiarity and interaction with civilians, by being less intimidating.
Many studies and enquiries have been carried out over the last few years to assess the success in involving communities in preventing and tackling crime, and although the reports were still inconclusive regarding a significantly higher level of trust shown to the police, a far greater number of police officers are now patrolling the streets than ever before, and the results seem to be beneficial in reducing the usual crimes society faces. Unfortunately, the imminent disappearance or reversing of moral values has lead to a sudden increase in gang culture, vandalism, underage drinking, underage sex, underage drug consumption and all sorts of juvenile delinquencies. By working together with the police, the public can help deter such social phenomena and reduce young adults’ hatred towards authority, as well as reassuring them that they are merely being protected and not persecuted by the police.
A program called “Justice Seen, Justice Done” refers to the creation of a government website, allowing each citizen to access neighbourhood police-related information about their area by simply entering their postcode. The information they are given basically includes contact numbers, detailed maps marking locations where crimes are often committed and much more; this is meant to show the public that they are entitled to permanent access to the progress the police is making towards solving the local crime issues. The website was put up after the growing public interest in police activity and what is actually being done to make certain areas safer, considering some have been known as dangerous for years.
The proper way of policing the streets has been problematic since times immemorial; exaggerated leniency didn’t prove viable and excessive force brought no benefits either. Although finding the balance is certainly not easy (respecting human rights and yet avoiding letting political correctness take over), hopefully part of the solution consists of fruitful collaboration between the police and public.