A Critical Analysis of the Theoretical and Empirical Literature Comparing the Effects of Traditional Versus Community Policing on Quality of Life and Associated Quality of Life Issues

There are two major issues that will be addressed in this study to determine if they influence the selection of an appropriate policing strategy. The first is citizen perception of whether crime has decreased or increased in their community. The second is whether the length of time a citizen has lived in the community has an effect on their perception of crime and their attitude towards a specific policing strategy.

Historically, each policing strategy, although at times labeled differently (professional policing, team policing, neighborhood policing, zero-tolerance policing), has evolved and adapted based on various dynamics within police organizations and the communities they serve.

This study provides the background to the problems faced by today's police organizations in determining which policing strategy effectively meets their goals, and how community perceptions of crime and the fear of crime influence, police and community selection of the appropriate strategy that meets their needs.