Assessing the Relationship Between Police-Community Coproduction and Neighborhood-Level Social Capital

Some have argued that community policing represents a reform that is capable of increasing neighborhood social capital. Collaborative relationships between police and communities are expected to enhance the capacity of residents to collectively ameliorate neighborhood conditions. This study examines the relationship between police-community coproduction and neighborhood-level social capital using data from a survey of neighborhood leaders. Results provide partial support for the claim that community policing is related to social capital. More specifically, collective social capacity was shown to be higher in neighborhoods where residents perceive the police to be more accessible. Future considerations for the study of community policing and social capital are discussed.