Policing Programs in the Rio Grande Valley Essay Example

Today, community policing has been a major development on most of the countries across the world. Community policing majorly focuses on involving the community as a way to strengthen the ties between the police officers and the community therein (Sozer & Merlo, 2013). While there are various methods of community policing, it creates both advantages and disadvantages therein. In this case, the paper aims at discussing the benefits and limitation of community policing in Rio Grande Valley. The discussion will also encompass the specific policing programme utilized in this area as well as providing an opinion if these programs are effective or not.

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The primary advantage of community policing in Rio Grande Valley is the fact that it helps reduce the fear among the members of the community. For instance, establishing frequent police patrol increases the presence of police officers in the neighborhood. For this reason, people feel more secure. It also helps to create a strong relationship between the police officers and the community. It also helps the police to establish confidence and trust within the community. Furthermore, the presence of police within the neighborhood contributes to deterring crime. In the event where police often patrol within the vicinity, criminals will avoid undertaking their criminal activities therein (Sozer & Merlo, 2013). Another advantage is that it helps to educate the community n the importance of getting committed to minimizing crime within the neighborhood. Through involving the community to create practical solutions to the underlying problems, the policing department is hence capable of developing an operational plan that helps solve the community problem efficiently. For instance, the policing strategies used in Rio Grande Valley may not be operational in other states. In the long run, community policing helps to reduce the level of crimes within the neighborhood. Besides, the mission of the Rio Grande Valley Police Department is to develop strategies that provide the city with a safe environment by preventing and fighting crime ("Rio Grande City Police Department," 2018).

The core disadvantage of community policing is the diverse ideas among the members of the community. For instance, some of the people find it relevant the presence of police officers among the community while others do criticize this action. Additionally, some of the officers may engage in community policing not for the benefit of the entire community but personal gain. In such a case, the significance of community policing is thus not fulfilled.

Conclusion

The Rio Grande Valley Police Department integrates some policing programs that aid in preventing and finding the levels of crime within the city. For instance, the use of police patrol not only helps to deter crime but also involve the community in fighting against crime. It entails the development of some programs such as the Juvenile Offenders' Program, the Crime Stoppers Program, and the Riot Team ("Rio Grande City Police Department," 2018). The Juvenile Offenders' Program focuses on preparing juvenile offenders to get back to their community. The program is effective as it helps these criminals for committing the crimes again. The Crime Stoppers Program allows the members of the community to expose any relevant information relating to the criminal activities within the society. It is necessitated by providing protection where these people provide the information anonymously. Lastly, the Riot Team entails deploying trained police officers who concentrate on confronting any protests or riots with the neighborhood. They focus on controlling these riots or dispersing the rioting crowds with the aim of maintaining order, offer protection both people and property, and also helps to discourage any motive of criminal activity in any case whatsoever.

References

Rio Grande City Police Department. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.cityofrgc.com/departments/police_dept/index.php

Sozer, M., & Merlo, A. (2013). The impact of community policing on crime rates: does the effect of community policing differ in large and small law enforcement agencies?. Police Practice And Research, 14(6), 506-521. doi: 10.1080/15614263.2012.661151