Working closely with the community, the police work to identify crime targets and facilitate preventative actions. Traditional Policing, in some ways, is like an occupying army and relies on what is commonly referred to as hard skills, such as the use of a nightstick and accuracy with firearms. COP, on the other hand, requires the addition of soft skills. Officers must learn techniques on how to analyze facts, develop working relationships with the community, find resources, and develop strategic plans to accomplish crime prevention goals. COP is unique in that the community must in part, tailor it.
Every community is different.
The demographics, education, economics, location and density are some of the important factors used in defining what type of policing is best suited for a community. Residents, business owners and other citizens in the community must help the police to define their goals and to identify where problems exist. This must be an ongoing commitment from the community. In addition to the Police Department, other City departments must be committed to COP for it to be effective. Personnel from Housing, Code Enforcement, Planning, Public Works, and Recreation Departments are sources of information for the police planning, and offer many of the resources needed to prevent crimes.