What is the difference between traditional policing and community policing?

Answer 1

Police community relations are the relationships between the police force and people it polices. Community policing is where members of the community carry out police functions.

Answer 2

Do you mean Community Service Officers (CSO)? CSO's assist by doing all the stuff that cops hate. Parking, accident reports, vehicle lock outs, direct traffic and such. I've seen some departments that allow them to make traffic stops.

Answer 3

Traditional policing is/was mainly reactive in nature. That is, police patrol the streets during their shift and react to what crimes and/or infractions are being committed. They also, of course, respond to dispatch calls of crimes in progress. Crime prevention is achieved through mere police presence. Negative interaction between the community and police is generally the norm.

Community policing, on the other hand, is much more proactive in nature. Police are typically assigned to specific geographic areas in their jurisdiction and establish ties with the various community groups. These groups may include ministerial (church) associations, neighborhood associations, youth groups, etc. The idea is that when police are involved WITH the community they are not viewed as outsiders who are there simply to enforce the law. Crime prevention is achieved through positive interaction with police and the community.