The recent decrease in crime rates in the U.S has been attributed to various theories ranging from community policing to the legalization of abortion in the 1970's. But the general agreement on the falling crime rate in the U.S is that there is no singular event, policy, or social action that can account for the decrease during the last eight years. Individuals and organizations assessing the cause and implications of this decline are arriving at a unified theory attributing the combination of efforts as the reason. .
The theories that have been mentioned to be a contributing factor on the decrease in crime are: community policing, longer prison sentences and more time served, the decrease in alcohol consumption, the decline in crack cocaine-based violence, a strong religious background, the aging of the baby boomers, the strong economy, and the legalization of abortion beginning in the 1970's. Each theory has supporting evidence as to how it has contributed to the decrease of violence. Although it may seem that one theory may contribute more to the reduction of crime than another; they are all vital components necessary to continue the prevention and declination of crime. .
Community policing will be the first theory to be analyzed with a brief explanation on what is community policing and the effects it has had on society. Community policing is a relatively recent addition to law enforcement. It aims to increase interaction and cooperation between local police and the people and neighborhoods they serve. Its goals are to reduce and prevent crime and to increase feelings of safety among residents. By means of communication, cooperation, and interaction, the police and the community work together to get the criminals off the streets and behind bars. There have been several communities that have tried community policing and it has turned out to be very effective and efficient.
