Real Policing and Public Perceptions in a Non-Urban Setting: One Size Fits One

• NCJ Number: 218388
• Journal: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: 2007 Pages: 108-131
• Author(s): John P. Crank; Andrew L. Giacomazzi
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 24 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2001-IJ-CX-0019
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

With a view toward tailoring community policing activities to the characteristics and needs of particular communities served by the Ada County Sheriff's Office (Idaho), this research identified significant differences in policing issues among different communities and the factors within the sheriff's control that might account for these differences.

Abstract

The survey found significant variation in perceptions of crime and disorder among communities in the county, as well as differences in perceptions of safety, social cohesion, and attitudes toward deputies and the sheriff's office in general. Findings suggest the tailoring of police services to local needs and the responsiveness of each community's residents to particular policing styles and priorities. Some community factors, however, were so entrenched in community characteristics (e.g., lack of social cohesion) that police action alone would not effectively address public safety issues. The questionnaire used in the survey of county residents was titled "Citizen Perceptions of Crime Problems and Satisfaction with Sheriff's Services." It focused on social cohesion, perceptions of crime and disorder, safety, and attitudes toward the Sheriff's Office. 4 tables, 3 notes, 38 references, and appended survey items used for scale construction