Running head: PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING 1

Problem-oriented policing

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PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING 2

Problem-oriented policing

Problem-oriented policing is an analytic method that is used by the police to develop

strategies that prevent and reduces crime. The POP model requires the police agencies to

systematically analyze problems in a community, develop solutions to their problems and

evaluate the impact of their efforts. Problem-oriented policing specifically focuses on the police

led efforts that help in identifying crime hotspots that often lead to the recurrence of the

problems in the communities. POP also requires the police force to go beyond the traditional

strategies and consider other options in addressing crime and disorder in the communities. POP

Is currently the most used strategy by the majority of law enforcement agencies.

Herman Goldstein first advanced the approach in the year 1979. The argument beyond

the advancement of the POP was that there was the need to replace the standard model of

policing with a more proactive approach of identifying problems that contribute to crime and

issues in the communities. Eck and Spelman developed the framework for implementation of

POP in the year 1987. The framework uses the SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response and

assessment)

POP approaches usually take a variety of forms. A POP strategy may focus on the crime

hotspot or instead target the non-geographic concentrations of the crime and other problems

affecting the society. The focus could be on the number of time one has committed the offence,

the repeat offenders and the repeat offenders. The POP approach usually considers insights from

a narrowly defined problem then applies it to a wide range of targeted responses. The

developments are meant to reduce the severity of the particular problem or crime incidence that

might be affecting the community. POP also considers the expertise and contribution given by

members outside the police agency.

PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING 3

POP relies on an array of tightly focused policing strategies. The strategies include both

traditional law enforcement approaches and alternative approaches. POP also overlaps with some

of the recent innovations such as the role of community policing, hotspot policing and the

focused deterrence. It combines the resource targeting approach applied in the resource targeting

strategies and the diverse approaches of the community policing. The elements that are central to

POP are somewhat distinctive, and they are not like the ones applied in community policing.

POP is rigorous, and it places intense attention to a specific problem, something which is not

achieved emphasized with the other strategies.

Problem-oriented policing identifies partners whose help that can offer help in dealing

with a problem that is affecting society. A community problem could be an instance where there

are frequent assaults at the bus stop. The partner here to help in the formulation of the solution

will be the transit authority. In the case where the community problem is shoplifting, the

partners, in this case, will be the community members. The community dwellers usually have

information and insights into everything that happens between them. The community members

can then participate in developing a solution for the long-lasting solution.

From the above, it is evident that POP is more intensive when it comes to solving the

problems in society. It is easier to follow the impacts of the approach now that the community’s

members are usually involved. POP, in the long run, can generate long-lasting solutions to the

problems affecting the community.