The key to having a police force that is responsive to it’s locality without appearing extra aggressive is community policing. Here are some of the factors that would need to be formed to insure this works.
1. INFORMED- The police force have to know all the different players in the community and therefore understand who to speak to when a problem should arise.
2. LISTENING- This force must take the time and effort to listen to the various members of it’s community be they business, civil or the student attending high school. Attend their school functions, visit the businesses, walk into a senior citizen center and ask questions then listen
(3) JUSTICE- Justice must of course be served but it can be served at a slower pace so those in the community understand that every effort was made to resolve an issue before force was utilized.
(4) COURTS- Community policing must extend to the justice system where all court proceedings including the grand jury are open to public scrutiny but still protect the privacy of the witnesses when need be.
(5) ACTION- Those that where the uniform must show that uniform in a warm way. Whether it be helping coach a sports team or serving lemonade at a street fair small actions of generosity can go a long way to building trust.
(6) INVOLVEMENT- Not only should the police force actively seek recruits from the neighborhood it patrols but also have them involved in neighborhood watch programs and even trained in self defense programs as well.