Some have philosophical disagreements with a problem-solving approach that assesses success and failure on the basis of community satisfaction. Some police agencies have attempted to avoid backlash by embracing all of the ideas and principles associated with community policing except for direct involvement of the community. Research conducted by the National Center for Community Policing, in conjunction with the FBI's Behavioral Science Section, showed that only one out of four police agencies that claimed to be doing community policing also identified themselves as involving the community in identifying, prioritizing, and solving problems. Some would argue that this means community policing can be done without the community but those who see what community participation can do recognize that as a copout. While community policing has had a checkered record of success in dealing with backlash, experience suggests that the solution requires developing a comprehensive plan to confront it.
Leadership means educating everyone about the reasons for the change.
Practice the principles internally involve key stakeholders in all phases of decision-making. Adopt a policy of open discussion about questions and concerns. Consider a phased implementation a series of baby steps. Ultimately, however, the commitment must be so clear that the resisters get the message either they embrace the change or go. When we reflect on the internal dissension that community policing inevitably engenders, the challenge of implementing a fully integrated system of community criminal justice seems even more daunting.