The European Model of Community Policing and Ways to Benefit from It

Abstract

This study examined the European model of community policing and aimed to identify the experiences of selected European countries in applying this concept, as well as to highlight ways to benefit from them. The study adopted both the historical and descriptive-analytical approaches, addressing the community policing model in Britain and its origins, as well as the Danish and French models, including their emergence and development. The study reached a number of findings, most notably that Britain is considered one of the leading countries in adopting the concept of community policing, as its philosophy is based on the idea that a police officer is, essentially, a citizen who cooperates with members of the community to address its problems. It also found that British police operate within a framework of significant legal responsibilities and act on the basis of a societal mandate, rather than solely to protect the government. The study concluded with several recommendations, most notably the need to benefit from European experiences in the field of community policing in order to develop this system in Sudan, while taking into account social dimensions when designing crime prevention plans, particularly those based on creating a suitable environment for cooperation and sustainability in the security process. It also recommended adopting what is known as “Houses of Justice and Rights,” due to their role in strengthening social ties, enhancing trust between formal and informal actors, and creating effective coordination between the community and the police in addressing social issues and preventing crime.