1. AJ 58 – Community and Human Relations Chapter 11 – Community Policing and Special Populations

2. Working with Special Groups Latter 19 th century saw police catering to special groups due to political influence Professional Era of policing removed police from caring about/working with needs of special groups Human-relations focus of 1960’s caused Law Enforcement to re-think services to Community – Much more attentive to community needs and concerns Some groups present special concerns – Juveniles, Homeless, Minorities, Tourists

3. Juveniles Juvenile crime increasing, especially violent crime Juveniles also largely victimized – Abuse, molestation, neglect, abandonment, etc. Police efforts must include… – Active discovering, investigating, prosecuting child exploitation – Cooperation with child social agencies – Linking families to assistance programs

4. Violent Crimes by Juveniles What causes a juvenile to commit violent crimes? – Abuse and neglect – Poor socio-economic conditions – Gangs – Access to weapons – Hopelessness – Exposure to media-sensationalized violence – Weakening of family unit – Drug culture

5. Dealing with Juvenile Violence Juvenile offenders often victims themselves – High-risk activities, situations Police must identify “Hot Spots” and address them through… – Enforcement, Education, Community Action – Providing recreational, cultural activities – Working with schools to reduce crime and violence

6. Youth Gangs Part of American history/culture Recent growth throughout US – Approx. 5,000 gangs with 250,000 members Commonly shared “gang characteristics” – Name and symbols – Geographic territory, “turf” – Hierarchy of leadership, organization – Ongoing behaviors of criminality, control

7. Identification of Gang Members Admits to being in a gang Tattoos, clothing, paraphernalia Police records/reports of gang involvement Arrested with other gang members during gang-related crime Reliable-informant information

8. Why Join a Gang? Fill a void of social disorganization in lower-class communities Little access to traditional goals/success – Wealth, power, recognition, fame Protection – Fear-induced recruitment Gangs form as result of disorganization and disintegration of neighborhoods

9. Community Policing Response to Gangs Target gang leaders, repeat violent offenders for arrest/prosecution Refer fringe members, families to services Provide preventive programs to at-risk kids Provide crisis-intervention, mediation for gang disputes Directed patrols of gang “hot spots”

10. Dealing with the Homeless Homeless population estimated to be about 2–3 million – Fewer than 100,000 shelter beds available Reasons? – Lack of affordable housing – De-institutionalized mental health care – Changes in federal welfare programs – Unemployment, Cost-of-Living – Breakdown of traditional family

11. Homeless and the Police Police caught in the middle People fear the loitering/menacing homeless – Complaints to police Victimization of homeless – On the streets, in shelters – Less likely to report Role of CPO – Link to shelters, available services – Link to employment opportunities

12. Homeless Types Socioeconomic – Forced to live homeless due to drastic change in economic circumstances Mentally Ill – Not enough for hospitalization, but too disruptive/violent for family or friends Lifestyle – Homelessness is a conscious choice Undocumented Immigrants – Not likely to report crimes, may be involved in criminal behavior to survive

13. Police Response to Homeless Departmental goals? Policies? – Do they see homelessness as a problem? Many departments without specific policy rely on criminal violations to deal with homeless problem – Alcohol, drugs, loitering, panhandling, etc. Community Policing Response – Combine services with enforcement – Cooperate with other agencies

14. Police and Minorities Traditional barriers to positive relations between Minorities and Law Enforcement Recent recognition by Law Enforcement of the existence of a multicultural society – Need for better services Minority concerns – Victimization – Hate crimes – Arrest/incarceration – Representation within law enforcement

15. Minority Concerns (continued) Lack of police protection Poor level of available services Unfair treatment/harassment, Stereotyping Racial Profiling Excessive Force Discrimination

16. Lightning Rods for Criticism Infamous incidents of racial tension – Rodney King – LAPD, 1991 – Abner Louima – NYPD, 1997 – Amadou Diallo – NYPD, 1999 – Rampart Division – LAPD, 1999 Common complaints – High number of stops, detentions, arrests – Racial Profiling

17. Undocumented Immigrants Exact numbers unclear – Some estimates at about 5 million – Increases by about 275,000 per year High likelihood of victimization – Not likely to report due to fear of deportation What is the primary role of Law Enforcement, enforcement or protection? – Remember the 14 th Amendment!

18. Tourists and Transient Populations Populations of summer/winter resort destinations can change drastically Concerns for Police – Reckless/irresponsible behavior Less likely to have stake in community – Targets for victimization by local criminals Community Policing Efforts – Work closely with hotels, businesses – Education and awareness programs