is the people's support necessary for efficient and effective policing?

Answer 1

Absolutely!

The founder of the first Police Force, Sir Robert Peel had this, and more, to say of the Police:

"The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police actions. "

And

"Police must secure the willing co-operation of the public in voluntary observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain the respect of the public."

These are still very much true today.

Answer 2

absolutely! Research shows that the police are more effective when the community
#1 doesnt fear the police
#2 has a good relationship with the police
#3 trust the police
#4 is confident in the police and believe in them...
#5 helps the police
community policing has been deemed effective as far as police/community relationships..

Answer 3

Most definitely. It is on this premise that the latest type of policing has come about...it is called "community policing". It gets the community involved in what is going on around them. The police can't be everywhere all the time. Without people in the neighorhoods helping out and telling us things we would never know half of the things that are going on out there.

For example, I started talking to the people in this one neighborhood, who finally told me about a house where there was tons and tons of traffic at all hours of the day and night. Based on that information and a few other things, I did a search warrant on his house and busted him for selling heroin. He told me he had been selling for years and hadn't been busted since 1969. I would never have known about it had not the people in the neighborhood told me about it. I helped them to clean up their neighborhood.

Answer 4

Necessary, no. Desirable, yes. Case in point: if Truman were to ask today, I'm sure most would say don't drop the bomb. That's because the public is usually short-sighted and generally have no courage. Sometimes decisions need to be made without regard to public opinion.

Answer 5

Of course it is. The more support given to the police the easier it is to identify trouble makers and perpetrators of crime. Too many people turn a blind eye to what is going on instead of helping the police in any way they can. I know it is difficult because of the fear of reprisals but this is what the criminal element in society rely on.

Answer 6

Yes, the peoples support is needed to investigate crimes efficiently... no support, no witnesses ! Supportive people also report suspicious activity before it becomes a crime.

Also, if you're not supporting, your opposing... witness all the fine people in my state of California who can't seem to remember the traffic laws... their failure to SUPPORT the law draws officers away from other programs to prevent crime and cases that need to be investigated and taken to court.

Answer 7

Absolutely - everyone should get involved. I know it's old hat but when the beat bobby knew everyone and they knew him, people felt safer. We shouldn't be afraid to report what we see and to expect a result. Too many people are frightened of reprisals.
But there are a LOT more decent, ordinary folk who want to get on with their lives in peace so we far outnumber the scumbags. Let's just stand up to them with the help of the boys in blue.

Answer 8

Yes like it or not the Police can't act without Public help

Answer 9

NO

They also have to hire personnel not predisposed to power fixes, train them on diversity and multicultural issues, de-escalating angry citizens, and with a HIGHER IQ

Answer 10

Yes it is. We all need to look out for each other.