Proactive Policing: Standing on the Shoulders of Community‐Based Policing

Abstract

This paper examines how Edmonton Police Service has built on the foundation of community‐based policing and problem solving in an effort to achieve greater levels of efficiency and effectiveness. These proposed operational strategies are closely aligned with the conceptual framework of proactive policing. Here, proactive policing, in its original formulation, ‘refers to the strategic deployment of resources in order to target criminally active individuals’ (Stockdale et al., 1999, p. 5). The paper also examines the implications proactive policing has for police management and how Edmonton has responded to an organizational environment that requires management of demand.

Keywords:

• Proactive Policing
• Community Policing
• Crime Management
• Intelligence‐Led Policing

Notes

[1] This management structure characterizes Divisional governance throughout the Service.

[2] It should be noted that while the above examples focus on North and Downtown Divisions, there are new operational models being implemented in the remaining two divisions. As of May 1, 2002, South Division had implemented a team‐policing model that would support greater sharing of resources, linkage of events, and continuity. Recently, West Division has undergone a structural reorganization implementing a change from nine squads to 12. The objective of this model is to allow greater overlap of manpower, enabling the Division to implement a priorities‐based management model. Moreover, this model will support an operational shift currently focused on crime‐related issues to one that is inclusive of all disorder issues.