In terms of crime prevention, what is "community policing"?

Community policing is a strategy aimed at enhancing public safety by fostering strong relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. This approach emphasizes collaboration and active participation from community members, allowing them to play an essential role in identifying and addressing safety concerns. Through this partnership, police can gain a better understanding of the specific issues facing different neighborhoods, which helps them to be more effective in their crime prevention efforts.

Unlike traditional models of policing that often focus solely on law enforcement and response to crime (as seen in reactive approaches or isolated initiatives), community policing encourages a proactive stance. This means working together to prevent crime before it occurs by building trust and open communication, sharing information, and engaging in joint problem-solving. This creates a more holistic, community-oriented approach to safety that recognizes the value of local insights and the importance of community cohesion in maintaining public order.