Problem-Assisted Policing And The SARA Model

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Problem oriented policing is a combination of law enforcement and social work (Jackson, 2016). This combination approach helps police officers to identify problems, analyze then, and determine the underlying cause. Identifying and addressing the root cause of crime is the goal of problem-oriented policing (Roufa, 2017). The SARA model is used to help officers with this method of modern policing. Problem oriented policing and the SARA model are used to proactively prevent crime, vs simply reacting to it. Early policing models focused on reacting to crimes. Police agencies spent a large amount of their resources and manpower reacting to crimes and making arrests. Problem-solving policing involves entering the community and working with residents to identify problems and the actual causes of crime in the community.
The acronym SARA stands for scanning, analysis, response, and assessment This model was first used in 1987 by the Newport News Virginia Police Department (Roufa, 2017). It was first published in the evaluation report on problem solving by John Eck, one of the authors of the Newport News report. Though far from perfect, this model rapidly gained popularity with modern police agencies and is in wide use today in its original form as well as various modified forms.
The four steps in the process are simple and straightforward. Scanning involves using hard, interviews with individuals, and observing community activities to identify potential problems. Analysis involves