Police role in local crime prevention - experiences from Serbia

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines problems and benefits from actual police activities in local crime prevention in Serbia. Methods: The research is based on analysis of normative-legal framework, strategies, programs and plans that regulate the actions of police in crime prevention at community level in Serbia, analysis of reports on implemented preventive activities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and analysis of the available literature. Findings: The data show that there is a need for further normative-legal regulation partnerships between police and other entities at local community in Serbia, as well as need to undertake further efforts in order to define specific prevention programs and plans in local communities based on a systematic analysis of the problems that lead to crime and disorder. Research limitations: More extensive studies on preventive police activities at the community level are necessary in Serbia, as the current state of knowledge is largely based on analysis of preventive policing practices in other countries, especially the Anglo-Saxon countries. Originality: Research results have identified good practices, as well as problems related to the community policing in Serbia. Identified problems should be addressed in further development of community policing strategies in Serbia.