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Abstract

Much of the information regarding community policing is based upon research conducted in large urban areas. In contrast, this article utilizes survey data to examine resident perceptions of community-policing practices in a small southern town. Low response rates from minority citizens, along with the negative impressions reported by minority participants, point to race as a major concern. Black respondents are less willing to trust the police, express greater dissatisfaction with the police, and grade the police significantly lower than do white participants. Interestingly, community-policing measures do not appear to enhance perceptions of the police. Suggestions for future research are offered.

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Correspondence to Rudy K. Prine.

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Prine, R.K., Ballard, C. & Robinson, D.M. Perceptions of community policing in a small town. Am J Crim Just 25, 211–221 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02886846

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02886846

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