What is a primary goal of community-oriented policing?

A primary goal of community-oriented policing is building relationships with the community. This approach emphasizes collaboration between police departments and the communities they serve. By fostering trust, understanding, and cooperation, law enforcement can better identify and address the concerns of community members, ultimately leading to more effective policing strategies. When the community feels engaged and heard, they are more likely to assist the police in preventing and solving crimes, enhancing overall public safety.

In contrast to merely focusing on reducing crime rates or increasing police presence, which can be more reactive measures, community-oriented policing prioritizes proactive engagement with residents. Improving funding for police departments, while important, is a means to an end rather than a primary goal of this community-centered approach. The essence of community-oriented policing lies in creating partnerships that allow for shared responsibility in promoting a safe and healthy community.