Community‐oriented Policing in a Retail Shopping Center

Julia Jim, Fawn T. Ngo, Douglas R. Kent

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

<p> Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report findings from the assessment of the Police/Business Empowerment Partnership (P/BEP), a community&hyphen;oriented policing program, implemented at a retail shopping center in the city of Westminster, California.</p><p> Design/methodology/approach: A quasi&hyphen;experimental design of pre&hyphen; and post&hyphen;test was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of P/BEP. Participants' perceptions regarding various safety measures were gathered before and after the implementation of the program.</p><p> Findings: Pre&hyphen;post comparison revealed significant reduction in perceptions of gang activity, auto theft activity and fear of crime at the shopping center after program implementation. Though non&hyphen;significant, changes observed in other targeted constructs were also found to be in the desired direction. Overall, analysis indicated that the program helps promote a conducive business environment for the merchants and their customers.</p><p> Practical implications: Findings from this evaluation provided evidence that collaborative efforts between businesses and the police do have a positive effect in fighting and preventing crime.</p><p> Originality/value: P/BEP is one demonstration of a community's effort in utilizing police resources to target specific problems.</p>
Original languageAmerican English
JournalPolicing: An International Journal
Volume29
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Community policing
  • Shopping centres
  • Retailing

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