Watchman Style vs. Community Policing

Watchman Style Policing vs. Community Policing: Which is More Prevalent in Sonoma County?

Presenter: Emily Asencio

Co-Presenter(s):
Max Almaraz, Helen Jiminez, Celine Rubalcava

Presenter Status: Faculty

Academic Year: 21-22

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Emily Vieira Asencio

Department: Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies

Funding Source/Sponsor: Koret Scholars Program

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Connectivity and Community Engagement

Abstract:
Th Criminological literature provides evidence of two different styles of policing that are often considered polar opposites. On one end of the spectrum, there are law enforcement officers who engage in the "law enforcement," or "watchman" style of policing. The other end of the spectrum is the "problem-solving," or "community-oriented" police officer. In practice, law enforcement officers often lie somewhere in between the two poles in terms of interacting with the community. An officer's behavior is largely dependent upon which end of the spectrum an officers self-identifies as. The current study focuses on defining policing styles according to the practices of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department. Data regarding perceptions of policing practices will be collected from both the Sonoma County Sheriff's office, and from community members.