Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Capitol St. Tallahassee , FL , United States. NCJ Number. Date Published. CAPE was established on a 6-month pilot basis. Six officers were initially selected to serve in the project on an overtime basis. They were assigned the task of devising and implementing plans to reduce neighborhood crime and to improve the poor relationship between residents and police. CAPE officers were outfitted with collared knit shirts with the officer's first name imprinted over the left breast pocket.
The distinctive uniform was intended to distinguish CAPE officers from other Jacksonville Beach police officers, making them readily recognizable to area residents. Results of a community survey of residents' perceptions of community needs showed residents to be concerned about crime in the neighborhood, the related perception of the neighborhood as unsafe, and poor communication between residents and the police.
CAPE officers were instrumental in soliciting information from residents about neighborhood problems, organizing community meetings, establishing foot and bicycle patrols at night, developing youth activities, mounting a citizen escort program, and promoting a campaign of "zero tolerance" for every arrestable offense. The program was approved as a permanent program. Based on community surveys and an examination of crime statistics for the community, this report concludes that CAPE has done an admirable job of establishing a community policing program in a notoriously crime-ridden neighborhood.
It has improved the relationships between residents and police. Overall, the neighborhood has become quieter, cleaner, and safer since the institution of CAPE. Recommendations are offered for addressing various program issues. Additional Details Sponsoring Agency. Florida Dept of Community Affairs. Corporate Author. Florida State University. Sale Source. Publication Type.
United States of America. Downloads No download available. Related Topics Community policing Police crime-prevention Police juvenile relations Police-citizen interactions Florida.
