AJS 504 Policing Photo Storybook

Policing Photo Storybook Narration

AJS/504

Policing Photo Storybook Narration

The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy also known as CAPS, is an initiative for fighting crime in the city of Chicago. In 1993, officials developed this initiative to build strong partnerships. Partnerships between police, local government officials, as well as the citizens throughout the city of Chicago. Much of this is done by using a form of community policing. Community policing is when officers are appointed to a given area. Mainly this is done so that the officers can become familiar with citizens, and vice versa. In theory, officials building relationships with residents will assist in the reduction of crime by providing prevention. The city of Chicago has unique issues when it comes to crime and deviancy. CAPS was developed to try to address these problems (The Chicago Police Department, 2017).

The primary goal of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy is to solve the problems within the community instead of just dealing with the aftermath of the offenses that are taking place. The program began initially in five areas of the city then expanded to all the districts in the city. One of the resources that help make CAPS successful is team work. The collaborative efforts of the city’s civilian planners, commanders, and department executives, in particular, are vital. All involved are responsible for identification, execution, and resolution of issues throughout the community (National Institute of Justice, n.d).

The program pushes police to focus more on the community to cause deterrence. Officials do this by working with other departments to handle calls that are seen as low-priority as well as rapid response calls. Doing this will free up officers to handle more serious calls. The CAPS program entails five essential steps. First, classify and arrange issues. Second, examine problems. Third, formulate a plan to deal with the issues. Fourth, put in place a plan of action. Fifth, assess the efficiency of initiatives (National Institute of Justice, n.d).

To get the community involved officials are providing citizens with education, circulating media ads, creating billboards, handing out brochures, and hold rallies, just to name a few. The CAPS program is just one of the many resources in place to help manage the issues that are happening across this beautiful city. As the community and leaders continue to work together, their goals will come to reality.

References

National Institute of Justice (n.d) Crime Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.crimesolutions.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?ID=299

The Chicago Police Department (2017) Chicago Police. Retrieved from https://home.chicagopolice.org/get-involved-with-caps/how-caps-works/what-is-caps/