Challenges of community policing in-service delivery to the hearing, impaired community: a case of Worcester saps

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to establish if community policing is being implemented in terms of service delivery to the hearing-impaired community by Worcester Police Service and, if so, to what extent. The study aims to establish whether the full implementation of community policing could be expected to build a positive partnership with the hearing impaired community of Worcester. Further, a detailed discussion of community policing is embarked upon' This section provides a theoretical account of what community policing entails, as well as a theoretical framework against which the researcher's empirical study, with regard to the implementation of community policing by Worcester Police Service, can be planned, executed and results thereof evaluated. It deals with the relevant historical perspectives, presents a workable definition for community policing that will direct further conduct of the research, and provides detailed discussions on each of the elements of community policing. Implementation of this method of policing with specific reference to the police service and strengthening the partnership between police and the hearing-impaired community is to encourage consultation and proper communication that may enhance service delivery. The results of the study are furthermore presented and it is concluded that certain steps have been taken by Worcester Police Service towards the institutionalisation of community policing. The full implementation of community policing by the Worcester police service can be expected to have a significant improvement on service delivery to the hearing-impaired community of Worcester. In closing, the reader is presented with practical recommendations that will ensure the effective implementation of community policing by Worcester Police Service'.