Issues in Policing

Braga (2007) indicated in the conclusion of his article, "Effects of Hot Spots Policing on Crime," that focusing police efforts in hot spots of criminal activity is an effective crime prevention tool. He also stated that few studies have looked at citizen perceptions of such police practices. In other words, how do citizens feel about increased police presence in their neighborhoods? How might the concepts of trust and legitimacy, as discussed by Tyler (2011) play into citizens’ perceptions about police presence in their neighborhoods?