Abstract

Community policing is a collaborative effort between the police and the community that identifies problems of crime and disorder and involves all elements of the community in the search for solutions to these problems. It is founded on close, mutually beneficial ties between police and community members. In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, where corruption is endemic in nearly all sectors of society, community policing holds significant promise to realign the philosophical foundation of law enforcement to better respond to community law enforcement needs, and to address the conditions that give rise to and perpetuate corruption. In order to be possible, law enforcement in Georgia is in need of drastic reform. This paper examines case studies of community policing programs that have been established in other post-conflict societies, such as El Salvador and South Africa. In particular, the author seeks to apply lessons learned in working to regain public trust and support in the face of a legacy of corruption and the use of the police as a tool for political repression. To provide context for this examination, the author examines the origins of police corruption and abuse of power, its economic, cultural and psychological dimensions, and consequences on the sustainable development of a newly independent state. After analyzing these factors, this paper presents a five-year framework for implementing a community-oriented policing program in Georgia, which includes a code of conduct, neighborhood foot patrols, community forums, intensive outside training by international experts, an exchange program with US law enforcement agencies, school-based legal socialization programming, and other community-focused approaches. The final year will focus on assessment and application of lessons learned.

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