- What is Problem-Oriented Policing?
- History of Problem-Oriented Policing
- Key Elements of POP
The SARA Model
- The Problem Analysis Triangle
- Situational Crime Prevention
- 25 Techniques
- Links to Other POP Friendly Sites
- About POP en Español
A commonly used problem-solving method is the SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment). The SARA model contains the following elements:
- Identifying recurring problems of concern to the public and the police.
- Identifying the consequences of the problem for the community and the police.
- Prioritizing those problems.
- Developing broad goals.
- Confirming that the problems exist.
- Determining how frequently the problem occurs and how long it has been taking place.
- Selecting problems for closer examination.
- Identifying and understanding the events and conditions that precede and accompany the problem.
- Identifying relevant data to be collected.
- Researching what is known about the problem type.
- Taking inventory of how the problem is currently addressed and the strengths and limitations of the current response.
- Narrowing the scope of the problem as specifically as possible.
- Identifying a variety of resources that may be of assistance in developing a deeper understanding of the problem.
- Developing a working hypothesis about why the problem is occurring.
- Brainstorming for new interventions.
- Searching for what other communities with similar problems have done.
- Choosing among the alternative interventions.
- Outlining a response plan and identifying responsible parties.
- Stating the specific objectives for the response plan.
- Carrying out the planned activities.
Assessment:
- Determining whether the plan was implemented (a process evaluation).
- Collecting pre and postresponse qualitative and quantitative data.
- Determining whether broad goals and specific objectives were attained.
- Identifying any new strategies needed to augment the original plan.
- Conducting ongoing assessment to ensure continued effectiveness.
Problem Solving
Community policing emphasizes proactive problem solving in a systematic and routine fashion. Rather than responding to crime only after it occurs, community policing encourages agencies to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safety problems. Problem solving must be infused into all police operations and guide decision-making efforts. Agencies are encouraged to think innovatively about their responses and view making arrests as only one of a wide array of potential responses. A major conceptual vehicle for helping officers to think about problem solving in a structured and disciplined way is the scanning, analysis, response, and assessment (SARA) model .
NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES
Center for Problem-Oriented Policing Nonprofit advancing the concept and practice of problem-oriented policing in open and democratic societies
Inter-University Consortium of Political and Social Research Summer Program in Quantitative Methods A comprehensive, integrated program of studies in research design, statistics, data analysis, and spatial data analysis at the University of Michigan
International CPTED Association International association supporting crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), an approach to crime that relies upon the ability to influence offender decisions that precede criminal acts by affecting the built, social, and administrative environment
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Nonprofit that equips struggling communities with the capital, strategy, and know-how to become places where people can thrive
Police Society for Problem-Based Learning Nonprofit created by law enforcement professionals for the purpose of improving the quality of training
U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 145 N Street NE Washington, DC 20530
Contact the Department 800-421-6770
Training & Technical Assistance
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