The application of a community-oriented policing (COP) program involves addressing a specific need or problem that police officials and community members have collectively identified. Such addressing of specific community problems is often referred to as problem-oriented policing (POP). The application of POP within a COP strategy is clarified by the following diagram:
One way to address the problem or need would be to apply the SARA model. The SARA model emphasizes four phases of a problem-solving process: Scanning, analysis, response, and assessment. Through the SARA model of problem solving and a COP program or project, solutions can be sought that address the community members’ quality-of-life issues, fear of crime, and crime prevention.
Address the following:
⦁ Out of the following 4 SARA model components, if you had to choose 1, which do you think is the most important? Which do you think is the least important? Explain why.
⦁ Scanning
⦁ Analysis
⦁ Response
⦁ Assessment
⦁ What are 2 community problems where you live?
⦁ These can be vandalism, serious crimes, juvenile crime, vandalism, police misconduct, and so on.
⦁ Describe the 2 problems as they are specific to your community.
⦁ Who are the perpetrators?
⦁ Who is affected?
⦁ What is currently being done about them?
⦁ Explain how you think the SARA model would aid in solving these 2 problems. Be specific.
