Student Question
Could community policing potentially weaken the power and authority of the police?
Quick answer:
Community policing is unlikely to weaken police power and authority for several reasons. Firstly, citizens are generally too busy to engage in effective policing. Secondly, handling crimes often requires trained professionals, specialized equipment, and sometimes force, which only the police can provide. Lastly, police are essential for detaining offenders. The most effective approach is collaboration between police and communities, with authority only compromised by police corruption or injustice.
I can see why you ask this question. However, under most circumstances, I would not worry about this for three reasons.
Fist, people are busy. So, no matter what kind of policing is done, ordinary citizens cannot do effective policing.
Second, there are many crimes which require professionals with training, back up, and at time even fire power. In light of this the police force will always be needed in communities. It would not be wrong to say that crime has always been a feature of society.
Third, there is always the issue of detention. In other words, what do you do with people who are captured? You would need jails.
In summary, the best relationship is when the police works with the community. The only time I can see the police losing authority is when they act corruptly and unjustly.
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