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Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy

An Effective Practice

Description

The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) is a community-based policing strategy. It was field-tested in five experimental districts in Chicago, Ill. In each of the districts, patrol officers were divided on a rotating basis into beat teams and rapid response teams. Beat teams were able to spend most of their time working their beats and with community organizations, while rapid response teams concentrated their efforts on excess 911 calls. Beat meetings were held on a monthly basis, and each district formed a civilian advisory committee to advise commanders and help mobilize problem-solving resources. Districts were responsible for identifying local priorities, planning strategies to address them and then executing their plans.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this strategy is to improve the effectiveness of policing in Chicago.

Results / Accomplishments

The evaluation used a quasi-experimental design based on the differential changes in views and experience of two groups over time. The evaluation revealed evidence of improvement in every program area, compared with the nonexperimental group. The victimization component revealed a decrease in auto thefts in one district and street crime in another. Reports of drug and gang problems declined in two of the worst areas, as did perceptions of physical decay. Reports of graffiti decreased significantly in the area where it was found to be the biggest problem.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Chicago Police Department
Primary Contact
Sgt. Brian Daly
Chicago Police Department
3510 South Michigan
Chicago, IL 60653
(312) 745-5820
brian.daly@chicagopolice.org
Topics
Community / Public Safety
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
Chicago Police Department
Source
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Model Programs Guide (MPG)
Date of publication
2004
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Chicago, IL
For more details
Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition