Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Robert Sharpe

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

Community Policing has evolved into an alternative method of patrol for many police services in North America. Community policing seeks to increase police visibility, accessibility and communication with the community. The geographic focus of this police activity is the neighbourhood. This study surveys residents of two neighbourhoods in the Regional Municipality of Halton as well as residents from the municipalities of Oakville and Burlington. The residents’ perception of neighbourhood activity, crime and police accessibility is surveyed using a Likert Scaling method, in order to assess the relationship between these elements, which are significant in community policing theory. In most cases, the element of police accessibility was weakly, but directly and significantly related to the elements of fear for personal safety and neighbourhood activity. There is no evidence to support the contention that neighbourhood activity is directly related to fear for personal safety. No significant relationships were found in an aspatial sample which may indicate the presence of a/locational effect. Also, there were substantial differences in results between neighbourhood samples. These results can have significant implications for community policing theory and practice.

Convocation Year

1994

Convocation Season

Fall

Download

Share

COinS