What is Community Policing?

[macbeth25]

Macbeth,  NN is correct about officers settling disputes.  Do the ride along and watch. 

This is a point which is really not worth debating. I think it is all in the eyes of the beholder since at least some disputes do end up in court.  I, too, have participated in ride-alongs, both in my county (Nassau) and in San Antonio where I was also part of the COP program and was a block captain in the Neighborhood Watch.  I've also written at least one article for the Westside Journal on the subject after I did a ride-along so I do know a little about it.  I can  be part of neither COP nor neighborhood watch in your area but I'm talking to the people in my area regarding them.  I know both COP and Neighborhood Watch can be effective because I've been there and I've done that.  I wish Jacksonville residents success.  I'll be watching MetroJacksonville to see what happens. 

[macbeth25]

Without going back through this thread again, I seem to remember some reference to police officers anticipating crime and taking care of it before it happens -- Anyone remember the movie Minority Report?  Here's one reference to it: http://www.geocities.com/smvgrey/minority.html.  I sure wouldn't want to run afoul of that bunch.

[NotNow]

StephenDare!, shouldn't you quote your source for the opinions expressed above?  And of course, it should be identified as opinion only. 

[macbeth25]

I think it extremely important that citizens who are not part of law enforcement avoid confrontational activity.  Should someone attempt to break into a home, especially one in which there are women and/or children, the owner has the right, according to Florida Law, to use deadly force to protect his home and his family.  I think this right may have been extended to the person's vehicle -- but I'm not sure about that.  The average citizen, I think, and no matter how "tough" they think they are, will find it difficult to live with the knowledge they've killed or injured another human being.  Our military, who, like me, were trained to fight -- and possibly to kill, especially those who were forced to take a life -- have much trouble reconciling that decision.  I remember an old rule -- never point a weapon at someone unless you're prepared to use it and never shoot unless you plan to kill.  Life isn't the movies and the victim seldom gets up with a big smile on his face and walks away.  Not only that, but what if you miss and hit someone dear to you or an innocent bystander.  Working together to prevent crime by working with authorized police is a much better idea.  Save protecting your family -- or even the stranger who you see being attacked -- don't use a weapon.  Property can always be replaced but people can't.  Neighborhood Watch, Cellular on Patrol, "Sheriff's Possee" or whatever you might call it, are all ways to cut back on crime.  Should you see a crime in progress or even have good reason to suspect a crime is happening, notify the authorities -- get the best information you can without endangering yourself or your family and then testify against the perpetrators in court.  Help police get back to policing.  There's a lot we citizens can do without being confrontational.  Check the Nassau County Sheriff's Website or the websites in your area for details. God Be With You.