The utility of community policing: insights from England and Wales and Uruguay

Democratic policing models if they are to be successful depend upon many factors, not least the ability of the police to engage with communities and involve them in various prevention activities. It is believed that this, coupled with increased perceived legitimacy of the police from within the community, fuelled by procedural justice, will combine to produce a more crime resistant community which works well with the police, producing a safe environment. This article compares current policing activities in two countries, Uruguay and England and Wales and considers the perceived impact that recent government policies may have upon the future of policing in both countries.