Community Problem Oriented Policing

Background

Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP) is a process for resolving local safety problems through the structured engagement of community, civic, and government stakeholders who utilize the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, & Assessment) problem solving method. Local safety problems are identified based upon feedback from patrol officers, analysis of police service calls, and complaints from the community. Once problems are identified, engaged stakeholders:

• Perform careful analysis identifying contributing key elements
• Develop and implement responses to resolve the problem
• Assess the effectiveness of actions taken

Responses employed are intended to be preventive in nature and will engage other public agencies, the community, and the private sector. The goal of CPOP is to engage community resources as frequently as possible and to engage law enforcement resources as infrequently as possible. The CPOP process has the following outcome goals:

• Reduction in crime and disorder incidents
• Reduction in harm from crime and disorder incidents
• Better management of crime and disorder incidents

Safety problems are considered resolved when CPOP Teams determine either of the following:

• Previously identified outcomes have been achieved
• Available resources have been reasonably and systematically applied to address the problem and have achieved some community benefit
• Continued commitment of resources is unlikely to produce additional community benefit

The Community Police Partnering Center is an outgrowth of the April 2001 riots. A collaborative agreement between the ACLU, the City of Cincinnati, and the Fraternal Order of Police has led to new emphasis on problem-oriented policing as a way of bringing the police and the community together to address issues of common concern.

In recognition of this important work, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is working with the CPOP team to provide a venue for community meetings, offer books and other information resources, and host a website with links and community information. We welcome your input on this important new initiative.

Related Reading

The Library’s collection contains many books and government publications on community-oriented policing, crime, and problem-solving techniques.

The U.S. Department of Justice has prepared a series of guides that use the Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) model to help citizens and police to work together to solve problems in their own communities.

In addition, here is selection of online resources from other government agencies that explore issues related to problem-oriented policing.

If you are interested in learning more about the April 2001 riots and the federal agreement with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Police Department, here are some resources you may find helpful.

Upcoming Meetings

Contact Info

The Community Police Partnering Center
Telephone: 513.559.5450
Email: CPOPCenter@gcul.org