Problem Oriented Policing and Its Past, Present, and Future Implications

Throughout history, there has been research done to improve the effectiveness of policing. Many professionals came forth and introduced different concepts in the improvement of policing. The concept of problem-oriented policing, also know as "POP", was introduced by professor Herman Goldstein. His concept to policing was based on a pro-active response, rather than the typical re-active response that was followed for many years. His idea was to examine and analyze recurring crime and disorder issues that harm communities, in hopes to prevent or deter them in the future. It takes police a step beyond just handling an incident to finding symptoms that contribute to a certain crime or problem. Many law enforcement agencies have adopted the problem-oriented policing concept and studies have proven it to be effective.SARA

As Goldstein's concept spread among law enforcement agencies looking to improve the effectiveness of policing, the SARA model was developed as a problem-solving method in problem-oriented policing. SARA stands for scanning, analysis, response, and assessment. (Center for Problem-Oriented policing) Scanning consists of identifying the recurring problem of concern and identifying the consequences of the problem for the community & the police. Analysis is learning the problem's causes, scope, and effects. This consists of identifying data and conditions that precede and accompany the problem. Response is acting to alleviate the problem, which includes brainstorming for new interventions, outlining a plan and carrying it out. And last but not least, assessment is determining whether the response worked. This process consists of obtaining pre and post response data and analyzing it to determine if the objectives were attained.

Newport News Problem-Oriented Policing