The Community Policing Impact on Juvenile Crime

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Problem Background

Crime is a major societal problem, which is why it has to be addressed on multiple political, social, and economic levels. However, a significant challenge when it comes to confronting this particular issue is its complexity. There are multiple factors that differently impact the occurrence of both violent and non-violent crimes. The most compelling evidence that such factors determine the compelling statistics is the rate of juvenile crimes, specifically juvenile crime recidivism. Recidivism in itself is a detrimental challenge that supports the idea that the socio-economic system does not facilitate a change in behavior but rather creates an environment in which an individual is prone to manifesting repeated offenses. This impacts youth, yet the statistics show that more effort is needed in order for the high numbers to decrease. The Indiana Department of Correction has reported almost 30% of juvenile crime recidivism in 2020 (2020). Such a high rate of repeated criminal offenses exemplifies the need for examination of possible factors and aspects that facilitate youth to partake in illegal activity. The New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows even higher numbers, with around 45% of juveniles receiving more than one penalty within the same year between 2017 and 2019 (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2019). It is certain that such a high percentage number are impacted by the environment in which young adults operate. Moreover, since penalties and incarcerations do not lead to significant crime prevention, as illustrated by the statistics mentioned prior, additional intervention is needed to address the issue.

The paper presents a study based on ten studies that have analyzed the connection between crime and certain social factors. The two aspects that will be discussed are the school and police involvement. Both are linked to the community in which the youth prone to engaging in illegal activities operate. On the one hand, school attendance is often linked to whether an individual is vulnerable to unlawful behavior or not. The connection with the police, specifically community policing, is also often mentioned during interventions. The two areas that are to be analyzed are directly linked to the community aspect. In terms of academic performance and attendance, students are prone to engaging in illegal activity based on the minimum dropout age (MDA) that is implemented in their state. Moreover, the involvement of the police when it comes to community activities and narrowing the gap between law enforcement and youth is also related to criminal activity in the region.

Purpose of the Study

As mentioned prior, the only effective way to mitigate the factor of juvenile recidivism is by observing and addressing the factors that impact this concept. Incarceration, penalties, and legal action are effective ways of isolating dangerous individuals from disturbing communities and reducing danger. However, such measures cannot effectively contribute to crime prevention as they deal with the outcome rather than the root of the problem. Thus, the possible reasons that impact juvenile offenders into repeating their illegal activities are to be determined for possible intervention. It is important to mention that the overall aim of the research is to examine the environment which facilitates repeated crimes. Multiple complex processes affect communities and either positively or negatively influence crime rates, namely repeated illegal activities.

The two aspects that have been priorly examined by researchers and will be described in this paper include such factors as community policing and school systems, namely, the minimum dropout age for students. The purpose of the research is to structurize relevant studies and determine whether a positive correlation exists. Moreover, the link is to be examined in regard to the significance that it has in regard to juvenile recidivism. The aim is to analyze the potential relationship between the factors and label it as significant, minor, or insignificant. In case the links show to have major significance on repeated crimes, the correlation is to be labeled as significant. For less accentuated or non-existent correlations, minor or insignificant links will be determined. While the researcher’s goal is to determine the influence of community policing and educational systems on juvenile recidivism, its significance is illustrated through the possible interventions that will be evidence-based if such connections are determined. Thus, if a positive dynamic is found, interventions are to include funding in community policing and programs aimed towards the reduction of distance between youth prone to illegal activities and law enforcement representatives. Moreover, in terms of a relationship with the school system, a possible intervention may have regulatory and legislative connotations that would ensure alternative options allowing former students to attend meetings and programs with psychological help and community initiative. Researchers have mentioned such interventions that are evidence-based to be effective in reducing crime rates (Ashford & Gallagher, 2019). As a result, the importance of the study is examining a fundamental societal challenge and determining factors that are to be addressed in order for juvenile recidivism to become a less critical problem.

Research Question

The initial hypothesis is the correlation between community policing and MDA and juvenile recidivism. Researchers have examined the topic of repeated offenses exemplified by young adults and certain factors that facilitate such negative results. The two concepts that have been widely discussed are the school systems and the involvement of law enforcement in the community where a particular department operates. In terms of the involvement of schools, it is essential to point out that besides academic opportunities, such institutions have a major social role. According to researchers, schools provide structure and support, which are two of the main concepts that can help young people avoid problems with the law and provide an escape from otherwise possibly deplorable home life and community interactions (Gerlinger & Hipp, 2020). From this perspective, schools play the role of actors that influence one’s social life besides solely having the role of educational facilities. Needless to say, the influence of teachers and fellow students can also either positively or adversely impact an individual. This is why schools are considered an essential part of one’s social life and a portrayal of the community. As a result, the dropout age may become a major factor for juvenile recidivism since the social and educational environment is replaced with the neighborhood, the household, and other possibly unfavorable circumstances.

Moreover, law enforcement has multiple roles and does not only have the duty to fight criminal activity directly. An essential part of the duty of law enforcement officers is crime prevention and creating a safe environment for the citizens. This can be achieved through community policing, which is in itself a notion illustrating the police’s close relationship with those it is to protect. Since the research question is directly linked to the concept of community policing, it is vital to provide context. The gap between civilians and police officers is a basic societal problem that leads to multiple adverse outcomes in case it is not addressed. Since specific departments make little to no effort to become an active part of society and interact with individuals from the community they are to protect, incidents involving brutality or even fatal shootings occur (Koslicki et al., 2021). Thus, the implementations include programs, activities, and meetings in which citizens are able to find out more about the officers and vice versa. Based on these concepts, the research question is “does community policing and low MDA impact juvenile recidivism, and to what extent is the effect present?”.

Literature Review

The study is based on ten different pieces of research covering the topics of MDA and community policing in relation to juvenile crime. Crowl (2017) has examined the experience of a group of people in regards to new implementations aimed to narrow the distance between law enforcement and regular citizens. The research has focused on fear of police, legitimacy, and job satisfaction of the on-duty officers. The research has mentioned that community policing is linked to the perception of law enforcement as an authority, which ultimately leads to crime reduction and lower rates of recidivism as a result. Another study that has examined the perception of police officers themselves has observed high satisfaction rates related to such programs (Shupard & Kearns, 2019). According to the researchers, while such initiatives are often viewed as positive for societies, they also have beneficial effects on the stakeholders who partake in the programs since they have an opportunity to form deeper connections with those they protect. Soska and Ohmer (2018) have directly examined the outcomes of such initiatives on crime prevention and societal restoration. The findings of the research have shown a positive dynamic between community policing and lower crime rates, which ultimately proves the concept to be beneficial for communities dealing with both adult and juvenile crimes and recidivism. Braga et al. (2019) have conducted qualitative research, which also supports such initiatives based on the findings. Rukus et al. (2017), however, have found community policing only to be effective in certain areas. The regions where it is most needed, specifically high-crime ones, are less prolific in crime reduction due to police reforms.

Multiple relevant studies have also examined MDA in relation to juvenile crime. Thus, Forhad (2021) has exemplified that an increase of the MDA to 18 years, where it is legal to drop out at 16, can decrease crime by almost 10%. Another study shows even better results, with a 17% prevention yearly as a result of an increase of MDA from 16 to 17 years (Forhad & Alam, 2020). Gerlinger and Hipp (2020) have stated that the school’s responsibility is facilitating a prosperous environment for a student through specific programs and educational measures, which contrasts with the idea that one may drop out of school and become even more vulnerable to involvement in criminal activity. Another study has shown that around 40% of incarcerated juvenile offenders have dropped out of school (Pyle et al., 2019). This is facilitated by the individuals’ aims to make money illegally or believes that education is not necessary for the lives that they choose to live. Another correlation that was examined was school attendance and a decrease in property crimes (Lochner, 2020). Thus, students who attend school are physically unable to engage in illegal activity during educational hours.

Research Methodology

Since the topic chosen for the research is a fundamental societal challenge that authorities are willing to combat, extensive research was done to examine the multiple possible aspects of juvenile recidivism and ways to address it. This research is a qualitative study based on content analysis. Thus, the literature review has highlighted relevant information and peer-reviewed data in regards to the research question, which covers juvenile recidivism and its possible connection to community policing and MDA. The research methodology chosen for this study is based on several important pieces of evidence that exemplify the approach to be compelling. First, both community policing and school implementation can be considered fields of public administration. Since the goal of public administration is to serve communities and maximize well-being while minimizing societal issues, addressing juvenile crimes, specifically recidivism, is closely related to the concept. Researchers point out that studies that cover topics related to public administration are often based on qualitative data (Ospina et al., 2017). Thus, a similar approach has been applied during this particular research for comprehensive findings that take into consideration content published by relevant sources.

The studies chosen for the analyses are mixed, qualitative, and quantitative studies examining data in regards to the age of the students in terms of MDA and the effect of law enforcement initiatives in terms of crime reduction, satisfaction, and the overall experience of citizens correlating with police involvement. Moreover, specific research is also based on the analysis of relevant content, which allows for a broader view of the problem. The research methodology is also effectively applied due to the individual experiences that are taken into consideration. Since juvenile crime is closely related to the environment of the individuals who engage in illegal activities, considering specific values and beliefs that are relevant to one’s personal life experiences is critical. The aim is to understand and form a conclusion based on findings that illustrate human behaviors. The social phenomenon of juvenile recidivism is not examined to show the high rates of crimes or the particular illegal activities that are frequently being observed by law enforcement. Instead, qualitative data is concerned with the particular causes and impacts that play a role in the juvenile crime rates being as high as they are at the moment. This is why this specific research methodology, namely qualitative research based on content analysis, was applied for this study.

Research Design

The first five studies conducted by Crowl (2017), Shupard and Kearns (2019), Soska and Ohmer (2018), Braga et al. (2019), and Rukus et al. (2017) have focused on the correlation between crime and community policing. The second concept examined in regard to the possible effect on juvenile recidivism is the minimum dropout age. The topic has been analyzed by examining five relevant pieces of research, specifically the studies conducted by Forhad and Alam (2020), Forhad (2021), Gerlinger and Hipp (2020), Pyle et al. (2019), and Lochner (2020). The existing studies have comprehensive conclusions in regards to either positive or adverse effects of the factors mentioned prior on juvenile crime. In order for the pattern to be determined, specifically, the findings that either support the argument of connection or prove its inexistence, a sum of the five responses will be determined. The measure will be calculated by determining the percentage of studies arguing for a positive correlation versus a negative one. Since the first concept will be analyzed based on the content of the five studies mentioned above, the determination of a positive correlation in all literature pieces will exemplify a high-impact relationship between the two concepts. Likewise, in case the results show that none of the researchers have found a relationship between community policing and MDA in relation to juvenile recidivism, the correlation will be non-existent.

In case the majority of research (3 out of 5) shows that the correlation is either present or does not have a significant effect on juvenile crimes, the findings will be labeled as such. This will be an effective practice in determining the potential pattern that has been identified in peer-reviewed journal articles on the topics. Moreover, the results will show a prevalence in impact, which will subsequently be helpful in determining the factor that is to be addressed for higher results in juvenile crime prevention. In case the pattern is identified and possible correlations between policing and MDA are found based on existing literature, the research will be considered significant due to the potential intervention that can be applied to combat the high rates of juvenile unlawful behavior and repeated offenses. The research design allows for the qualitative research to show comprehensive, relevant, and accurate findings since the data used for the analysis is evidence-based, and the methodology fits the criteria for being labeled as an efficient qualitative study.

Data Collection

Data collection is based on the findings illustrated in the ten studies mentioned prior. Crowl’s empirical evidence review has examined community policing, and the findings suggest a correlation between this factor and higher crime reduction, job satisfaction, authority, and lower fear of law enforcement (2017). Such data shows that community policing has a beneficial impact on juvenile recidivism since it directly addresses illegal activity and has been shown to lower the rate of such incidents. Thus, the data support the argument, suggesting the need for police involvement in communities where youth are vulnerable to engagement in illegal activities. Job satisfaction has always been shown to be a significant factor in the study conducted by Shupard and Kearns (2019). Thus, a positive correlation was concluded by the authors of the article. The study which has addressed intervention toward crime prevention mentions community policing as a practical implementation that leads to lower rates of crime (Soska & Ohmer, 2018). As a result, the study also supports the evidence that such interventions are positive for crime reduction, including juvenile repeated offenses. Braga et al. (2019) have concluded that the content analysis shows more than 80% of studies support police interventions as effective. Thus, this is another piece of evidence that exemplifies the beneficial link between such programs and their contribution to safer environments. However, the study conducted by Rukus et al. (2017) has illustrated that community policing is only effective in low-crime regions and insignificant in terms of outcomes in high-crime areas. This shows a negative correlation since resources were allocated without a prolific result where it was needed the most.

The data has also been gathered in relation to MDA and juvenile recidivism. Thus, Forhad (2021) has found that states with the minimum dropout age of 16 are typically more represented in juvenile recidivism compared to states with 18, suggesting a possible correlation. The following study also shows findings that support the argument that the higher the dropout age, the lower the juvenile crime rate (Forhad & Alam, 2020). Thus, the link is evident, as suggested by the researchers. Gerlinger and Hipp (2020) mention both schools and community programs as the critical factors that are linked to juvenile illegal activity mitigation, which is also evidence that exemplifies MDA as impactful on youth recidivism. Pyle et al. (2019) concluded similar relationships between school systems and crime rates, supporting the argument. Similarly, Lochner (2020) suggests school attendance as a factor that stops young adults from committing crimes. The data analysis is based on the positive or negative correlation findings present in all the studies examined above.

Data Analysis

The evidence was examined in terms of the possible patterns exemplified by the correlations between community policing and MDA and their effect on juvenile recidivism. Thus, it is essential to analyze the evidence and identify the findings to determine whether such links are present and create a basis for a possible intervention in the school system and community. The first five studies covered a particular aspect of community policing, namely crime prevention. The initial four studies have shown positive correlations between the two notions. Out of the five sources used for determining a pattern in community policing and an effect on juvenile crime, the study that does not support such a pattern has been conducted by Rukus et al. (2017). However, a positive change has been noticed in communities with low crime rates, yet the ones where crime is prevalent were not successful in combating it through law enforcement social involvement. The rest of the evidence has exemplified that such initiatives are positive for police officers and members of communities where they operate, including youth vulnerable to repeated criminal offenses. Thus, based on the findings concluded after the data examination, the results suggest that 80% of the studies mention community policing as a practical crime-mitigating factor. Thus, juvenile recidivism is directly linked to the police’s lack of involvement in the community programs aimed towards providing support for young adults who are at risk for committing crimes. Since only one of the five sources (20%) suggests that police involvement bears little to no significance, the evidence is mainly centered around the idea that such initiatives may be effective and are to be considered.

In terms of the minimum dropout age and juvenile recidivism, all the sources that have been examined show a positive correlation between the two factors (100%). This implies that the social, cultural, educational, and behavioral measures applied by schools positively impact students and partially stop them from engaging in illegal activity. Moreover, this may imply that young adults need structure and support from institutions, a role that can be applied without the need for drastic structural changes within the school system. As a result, the findings suggest a strong correlation between low crime rates and activities that allow children and young adults to interact with peers, receive support, and learn new information. The two concepts have been found to be linked to juvenile recidivism and are to be addressed for the improvement of the current state.

Strengths of the Proposed Plan

The proposed plan involves a mixed approach of community intervention alongside the direct implementation of measures such as creating a program resembling academic education. There are several arguments that support such an intervention. First, the plan involves both structural and social changes that directly and indirectly affect youth adults. On the one hand, since community policing has been shown to be effective in creating the link between law enforcement and authority, individuals will be aware of the consequences of their behavior. The benefits include a reduction in police brutality and fatal shootings from the perspective of law enforcement and law obedience and understanding of the law as an essential societal measure for juvenile offenders. In terms of the proposed program for juvenile recidivism prevention, such an approach will allow young adults who do not have the opportunity to continue their studies to form a healthy community, participate in valuable and informational meetings, and avoid crimes by maintaining a busy schedule. Another strength is the lack of necessity in terms of seeking a detrimental change in alterations of the educational system. Indeed, changing the MDA requires prolonged and not necessarily resultative communication with regulators and legislators. Due to the severity of the problem and the high probability of failed implementation to operate under a higher MDA, a program with the same qualities as schools in terms of mentors, the community factor, and guidance can be much easier to create.

Weaknesses of the Proposed Plan

Certain weaknesses are to be considered due to the plan’s complexity. First, the factor that both community policing and intervention implementation are proposed may be challenging due to the broadening of the scope. Thus, confronting two factors at the same time may lead to limitations when it comes to effective management, planning, and resource allocation. Investment is needed in order for the two areas to be improved, which is another weakness. Since police departments are to receive resources for creating meetings and programs for forming a connection with the community, the initiative may be costly. Moreover, the negative attitude toward the police may impact participants in terms of a lack of desire to participate (Edmunds et al., 2021). Needless to say, creating a program for young adults with a prior criminal record may also be challenging in terms of organization and gathering of resources. Finding a location for the meetings, targeting a specific population that may not be prone to participate in such initiatives, and creating a favorable school-like environment are all possible weaknesses that must be considered during the planning phase. Nonetheless, significant weakness is a need for measures to address juvenile law offenders participating in the initiatives. The program is intended to become a school alternative where communities are formed, and mentors give valuable lessons and provide the phycological, legal, and societal support that the individuals need. However, since the target participants are dropouts and do not attend regular schools either due to having income or lack of desire to graduate, such people may be apprehensive about attending meetings that resemble a system they chose to avoid. Since the initiative is supposed to become a way for such individuals to escape factors that make them vulnerable to crime involvement, attendance and a responsible attitude towards the program are necessary. There are some weaknesses that correlate with the initiative and may become limitations during project implementation.

Potential Program Implications

The proposed project involves a mixed implementation of measures aimed toward a reduction in crime rates attributed to juvenile recidivism. Since the implementation is to address a severe societal problem, both community policing and an educational and social program are to be applied. Thus, the young adults will understand the authority of law enforcement and view officers as help rather than enemies while having the option to attend meetings and events in order for the lack of schooling not to become the reason why crimes are occurring. Police involvement is a regulatory initiative and is to be implemented policy-wise and through relevant regulations and systematic resource allocation by the state. The program involving mentors, psychologists, and events where youth involved in prior illegal activities can socialize and receive helpful information is to be planned according to the needs that those who have dropped out of school cannot fulfill. The initiative is evidence-based and constructed according to the relevant studies that have found correlations between a lack of school attendance and no community policing in juvenile recidivism. Addressing both challenges with one program can drastically minimize the rate of repeated offenses and address the reasons why such crimes are being committed rather than confront the outcomes with penalties and other legal repercussions. The research, which has been the initial source of information on the possible areas that are to be addressed with low lower rates of youth recidivism, has provided information in regard to the factors that lead to negative effects. As a result, it is certain that a program involving police reforms and the establishment of a specialized initiative for school dropouts can become effective in maximizing the statistics in regard to children and young adults refraining from repeating their offenses. Such results benefit the participants and contribute to an overall safer community in which individuals are not repeating prior mistakes but aim to become active members of society.

References

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