What is a characteristic of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)?

The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) is characterized by its strong emphasis on community engagement and problem solving. This approach to policing encourages collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, aiming to address the root causes of crime and disorder. Through community participation, police officers can gain valuable insights about specific local issues, fostering a more proactive and preventive approach to public safety.

CAPS moves away from traditional top-down policing models, where decisions are made solely by senior officers without input from the community. Instead, it emphasizes building partnerships and working together with residents to identify and solve crime-related problems. This collaborative effort helps to create a sense of ownership among community members, leading to increased trust and cooperation between the police and the public.

By focusing on problem solving, CAPS encourages officers to look beyond just arresting offenders and instead seek out strategies that can effectively address the underlying issues contributing to crime in specific neighborhoods. This holistic approach makes the community an active participant in its safety and well-being.