Community‐oriented policing in Virginia

This study examines community policing in Virginia. The methodology included (1) a telephone survey to identify programs and (2) questionnaires mailed to police agencies with community policing, and serving populations over 100,000. Information was collected to examine community policing, and departmental influence on both program strategies and community involvement. The nine programs identified had varying strategies, features, and activities. Most reported permanent assignment of officers in neighbourhoods, problem solving, and foot patrol. Neighbourhood substations were less common. Although not significant, a correlation was found between departmental commitment to community policing and community involvement. Policy implications of the study are also presented.