Michigan State University Police executives are becoming increasingly aware of the political nature of their roles. Community policing in particular provides a new challenge in the political arena because of its emphasis on significant changes in traditional police administrative and operational practices. This article explores political issues associated with community policing, the characteristics of political processes, and tools for managing political transactions. Crime touches most people, directly or indirectly, at some point in their lifetimes. Nearly everyone, regardless of political allegiance, race, ethnicity, age, gender, or lifestyle, supports taking action to control violence and crime.
Citizens are willing to make sacrifices to increase their protection from criminals.
Crime, especially atrocious or senseless crimes, can generate morbid public curiosity. While there is much agreement on the need to control crime, there are many views on the best way to achieve this end. In recent years, politicians have increasingly viewed community policing as the most effective means to deal with crime while at the same time providing better public services. Yet, few fully understand the concept. Because community policing requires significant changes in law enforcement philosophies and practices, and because crime and crime prevention are such hot political issues, police administrators must be prepared to respond to elected officials and their own employees.