Policing Policies Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Policing Policies - Research Paper Example One of the more popular areas where policies have been implemented has been in the issue of policing and the creation of rules that govern law and order (Ratcliffe, 2008). This sector can be said to be one of the most significant areas in which policies have been utilized, and they are the reason behind the ability of law enforcement to maintain order within a society as well as determine the appropriate methods through which those that breach the laws that have been set out should be treated (Stone, 2008). The perspective used to create these policies will determine the methods in which the community will deal with the rules and regulations and those who break them (Peterson, 2005). There are two major policy perspectives that can be studying when broaching this subject; they include problem oriented policing and zero-tolerance policing. Problem Oriented Policing This policy perspective refers to a strategy that focuses on the problem that is being faced in a bid to come up with eff ective ways with which to deal with that specific problem (Taylor, 2007). The strategy involves the analysis of the various crimes that rock the society and then focus on developing solutions that will adequately solve the problem and is based upon ongoing studies to evaluate the progress made, and if the original solution needs to be modified or changed in any manner in order to make sure that the policies developed are successful in their endeavor (Stone, 2008). This strategy believes that by closely studying the problem, one is able to come up with more effective answers and solutions as they are given the chance to gauge not only the problem itself, but its underlying cause as well (Ratcliffe, 2008). By doing this, one is not only able to deal with the problem once it occurs, but determine ways in which the source can be dealt with in a way that will stop the problem from popping up in the first place(Peterson, 2005). The policy can be said to focus more on the effort of crime p revention rather than dealing with the crime itself and aims at working together with the community in a bid to decrease the level of crime rates in the society (Althaus, Bridgman & Davis, 2007). This perspective focuses on research and analysis and strives to prove that the best way of dealing with a problem is determining its cause so as to strike at it from its foundation (Fischer, Miller & Sidney, 2006). Problem oriented policing can be said to function on the basis of â€Å"prevention is better than cure† motto. There are various steps that can be taken when approaching the making of policies from this particular perspective (Ratcliffe, 2008). The process can be presented in over teen steps but can be summarized in just three steps that are taken by those who take part in this particular policy perspective. They include: Identification and Analysis of the Problem The initial step is analysis of the problem before any steps could be taken. The particular problem will need to be closely scrutinized in a bid to sufficiently understand the problem so as to determine the best way to solve it. This can be acheived by going through the various police records as well as interviewing members of the