Community policing is a law enforcement philosophy in which police officers continuously operate within the same area to create a stronger bond, and ultimately a partnership, with the residents living and working in that area. By consistently working in the same area of a city or town, police officers are more able to engage with residents easily and effectively and can ideally proactively prevent crime from occurring rather than merely responding to incidents after a crime has already been committed. Typically, community policing provides some, or all, of the following benefits:
a) Leads to residents having a more favorable view of their police department.
b) Improves trust between police officers and residents.
c) Encourages residents to participate with police officers in order to keep their own community safe.
d) Provides police officers with more accurate information from residents concerning criminal activity in their neighborhood.
e) Allows police officers to gain a better understanding of the needs of residents and their expectations of the police.
Accordingly, I would like to discuss with my colleagues, and request that the City Manager’s Office and Police Department be prepared to discuss, the City’s community policing efforts in South Beach and, in particular, in the South of Fifth neighborhood. I would also request that, given the unique characteristics of the South of Fifth neighborhood, the City Manager’s Office and Police Department present the Mayor and City Commission with any potential enhancements to staffing and coverage in the South of Fifth neighborhood that could benefit from supplemental community policing.
Clerk's Note: See also attachment email from Elizabeth K. Latone, APNA President, requesting community policing in the areas of North Beach, particularly from 63rd to 72nd Streets.