Please respond to the discussion post (below) and with sources.

Community policing has been an integral part of law enforcement for a considerable duration. The literature suggests that a significant portion, roughly 90%, of municipal police personnel work within an establishment that incorporates a community policing element (Peak et al., 2019). This prevalence indicates a widespread adoption of community policing strategies among law enforcement agencies. However, it raises the question of whether such a high proportion of officers are actively participating in these community initiatives.

Moreover, it is observed that about 70% of police departments have embedded the concept of community policing within their guiding principles (Peak et al., 2019), underscoring its significance in contemporary law enforcement practices. The prevailing data suggest that society is experiencing a phase where community policing is not only prevalent but also a central strategy in fighting crime and fostering public safety.

Community-oriented policing, as described by Carter & Fox (2019), focuses on engaging community members in collaborative efforts to deter criminal activities. This strategy aims to curb crime rates and is associated with enhancing public contentment and bolstering confidence in the police. These positive outcomes are contingent on the authentic and rigorous application of community-based policing practices.

Nevertheless, research has indicated a potential decline in community policing activities. For instance, in the case of Chicago, the initial beneficial impact of this approach dwindled over time, with reduced public participation noted by 2010 (Skogan, 2022). Such a downturn might be attributed to the layoff of committee members and a lapse in identifying and addressing high-risk areas, a situation that poses concerns given the documented advantages of community policing for both the police force and local populace.

On a personal note, the presence of community-based policing in one's locality remains uncertain. The lack of public awareness of such practices could be a point of apprehension, especially if the local law enforcement purports to prioritize community policing tactics. It is imperative for the effectiveness and relevance of community policing that it is not only professed but also actively acknowledged and engaged with by the community it serves.