Introduction
Problem-oriented policing entails the identification of factors that raise crime risk, diagnosing them, and establishing solutions to them. It is a data-driven approach that relies on crime data and community input to identify crime “hot spots.” The technique is based on the belief that crime is a function of the opportunity, motivation, and ability of offenders (Hinkle et al., 2020). By identifying and addressing the factors that contribute to crime, it is possible to reduce or prevent crime from occurring.
The SARA Model
The concern of problem-oriented policing can be employed to evaluate. The SARA model is an effective tool for problem-oriented policing because it is a systematic and logical approach that can identify and address the underlying causes of crime. It is a flexible model that can be adapted to the specific needs of a community or police agency (Agar, 2022). The SARA model is effective in reducing crime and disorder. It is a widely used model recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
The SARA model is a four-stage model that is often used by law enforcement and emergency management professionals to guide their response to incidents. The model is an acronym that stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. The Scanning step involves identifying and gathering information about crime and disorder problems. This can be done through crime mapping, problem analysis, and community surveys. On the other hand, analysis entails analyzing the information gathered to identify the problems’ underlying causes. This can be done through root cause analysis. The next step is the response which involves developing and implementing strategies to address the underlying causes of the issues (Agar, 2022). This can be done through community policing, hot spot policing, and problem-oriented policing. Moreover, the proper response may require collaboration with other agencies or organizations and community members. Finally, the effectiveness of the strategies implemented is evaluated during the assessment to make necessary adjustments. This can be done through crime analysis, surveys, and focus groups. It can help to determine whether or not the problem has been effectively addressed.
Role of Ethical Considerations and Ethical Responsibility of Evaluators
Ethics guidelines and legislation play an important role in evaluation by setting standards for what is considered ethical and legal. Evaluation practitioners must adhere to these guidelines and laws to ensure that their assessments are honest and credible. They also help to protect the rights of those involved in the evaluation, such as police officers and community members. For example, the American Evaluation Association’s Guiding Principles for Evaluators includes a principle on professional responsibility, which states that evaluators should “act professionally and responsibly following relevant laws, regulations, and professional norms” (Hinkle et al., 2020). This principle helps to ensure that evaluators act in a way that is consistent with ethical and legal standards.
Similarly, the Office of Justice Programs’ Evaluation of Crime and Disorder Reduction Programs Guide includes a section on ethical and legal considerations, which guides how to ensure that evaluations are conducted in a way that is ethical and legal. These guidelines and legislation help ensure that evaluations are conducted in a way that is ethical and responsible and that the evaluation results are reliable and can be used to inform decision-making (Agar, 2022). Legislations governing how analysis process includes the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act. Ethical guidelines that should be followed when evaluating problem-oriented policing include respecting the rights of those being assessed and ensuring that the evaluation is conducted relatively and unbiasedly. Moreover, it is essential to safeguard the confidentiality of those being evaluated (Hinkle et al., 2020). Lastly, evaluators must ensure that the evaluation is conducted in a way that is respectful of the cultures of those who are being assessed.
Implementation of Ethical Guidelines in Crime
As a future criminal justice professional, I must comprehend the importance of being aware of the ethical guidelines and responsibilities that apply to the field, which should be followed in all aspects of work, including when conducting evaluations. I could make sure to adhere to any ethical guidelines their agency or department sets. Secondly, I could ensure transparency in my actions and decisions and be open to feedback from others. Moreover, I can actively seek out training and education on ethics in criminal justice and stay up to date on any changes or updates. I can further review the latest guidelines governing ethics in my work area and ensure to work within them at all times. I can be a role model to others by consistently demonstrating ethical behavior and being willing to promote fairness in all circumstances.
Conclusion
Ethical considerations and responsibility are important in all aspects of work, including when conducting evaluations. It is essential to adhere to any ethical guidelines their agency or department sets and be transparent in actions and decisions. Criminal justice professionals should seek out training and education on ethics in criminal justice and stay updated on any changes or updates. By consistently demonstrating ethical behavior, criminal justice professionals can be role models to others and promote fairness in all circumstances.
References
Agar, I. (2022). Problem-solving and SARA. The Crime Analyst’s Companion, 193–211. Web.
Hinkle, J. C., Weisburd, D., Telep, C. W., & Petersen, K. (2020). Problem‐oriented policing for reducing crime and disorder: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 16(2). Web.