Community Policing for Violence Prevention in Pakistan: A Critical Review of Evidence and Future Directions

Abstract

Community policing is an approach to law enforcement aimed at improving police-community relations and reducing crime rates. This article examines the implementation of community policing in Pakistan and its limitations. While community policing has been implemented at the grassroots level in Pakistan, there are several challenges that hinder its effectiveness, including inadequate resources, training, and community participation. To overcome these limitations, this article suggests prioritizing funding for community policing programs, providing ongoing training for police officers, and increasing community involvement in policing initiatives. The article also explores different models of community policing, including Robert C. Trojanowicz's principles, the Broken Windows model, the Problem-Oriented Policing model, and the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) model, which can serve as a guide for effective community policing in Pakistan. The article concludes that enhancing community policing in Pakistan requires building trust, transparency, and accountability in police-public relations, promoting community participation in decision-making processes, and providing appropriate resources and training for police officers. By implementing effective community policing strategies, Pakistan can create a safer and more secure future for its communities.