Latent Neighborhood Dynamics and the Logic of Community Engagement in American Policing

(1) Background: The purpose of this paper is to explicate the logic of community engagement in American policing. In the United States, the police are organized for crime control and social order through law enforcement. In fact, the terms police and law enforcement are often used interchangeably. This linguistic trap reifies the law-enforcer identity and disposition, while producing a logic of professional practice that prioritizes enforcement over more effective crime prevention activities. We ask, “Are there better ways to organize the police to make communities safer?” If so, what could the police do and why? To answer these questions, we first explore the structure of American policing and the logic it creates. We then examine latent community dynamics and their impact on public safety. (2) Methods: Using survey data from a statewide probability sample of households, the authors examine the impact of these dynamic processes on crime, informal social control, and support for those returning to the community from prison. (3) Findings: The findings demonstrate, in measurable ways, the essential function of community-engagement in creating safe, strong neighborhoods. (4) Conclusions: The study’s findings suggest a new framework for policing that prioritizes community engagement for relationship building and problem-oriented policing over more aggressive law enforcement campaigns.