Although the definition of intelligence-led policing can be viewed as one that changes with the shift in contemporary policing, currently, it is defined as consolidation and analysis of information related to crime. This undertaking results in strategizing around crime reduction (Carter, 2009). It is different from community-based policing because the latter is a policing strategy that entails the police and the community's collaboration to solve problems at the community level, especially in terms of crime reduction.
One strength of community policing is with collaboration between police and community members, police better understand community needs and are guided by the community on security needs to be prioritized. Besides, trust between police and community members positively impact law implementation and solving neighborhood problems. On the other hand, however, one of its weaknesses is that its agendas are only accomplished when there is a partnership between the police and community members. In communities where residents have a negative view of the police and their mandate to enforce law and order, trust is unlikely to be achieved; hence, the policing approach would fail in such circumstances.
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One of the strengths of intelligence-led policing is its collaborative nature, which combines improved intelligence operation, community-based policing, and extensive problem-solving initiatives. In this approach, the method targets the community and looks into national security and security dynamics such as terrorism (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2005). It can hence be viewed as a holistic approach to the improvement of security and reduction of crime. One of the disadvantages of intelligence-led policing is its wide scope; hence, the possibility of not explicitly solving a particular problem. For example, it focuses on terrorism, the fight against illegal drugs, and security dynamics in public institutions such as schools, among others. Given the dynamic elements focused on, some might not receive the attention they deserve.
Given the increased need for identification of terrorist undertakings, there might not be a need for replacement of community-based policing by intelligence-led policing, but there is a need for the two types of policing to be integrated in a way that helps in solving terrorist threats at the community as well as national level. The concept of community policing is not outdated because it is still effective in solving community problems in areas where it is applicable. It is, however, necessary that it is analyzed and improved based on evolving community security needs.
References
BUREAU, O. J. A. (2005). Intelligence-Led Policing: The New Intelligence Architecture. Washington: New Realities Law Enforcement in the Post–9/11 Era .
Carter, D. L. (2009). Law enforcement intelligence: A guide for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, Washington DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
