Bob Dole: “no one can dispute the need to put more police officers on the street. More police usually means more security.…”

“no one can dispute the need to put more police officers on the street. More police usually means more security. Nevertheless, an article appearing in today's New York Times demonstrates that the concept of community policing, which is the centerpiece of the Clinton administration's anticrime efforts, may sound good in theory, but in practice it is far from perfect. According to the article, thousands of New York City police officers who are engaged in community policing do not work during those time periods when crime is most prevalent--on weekends and late at night. The article also cites high turnover rates, poor training, and the lack of coordination among community police officers and the other agencies within the New York City police department. Those who beat the community-policing drum should read this article. As the New York City experience demonstrates, community policing certainly has its strong points, but the jury is still out on its effectiveness in fighting crime.”