ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the concept of community as an interaction network composed of local and nonlocal actors. After identifying three different strategies for changing these interaction patterns, it examines the different roles that the police might play in these change efforts. These change efforts are also known as strategies for "community organizing." While each organizing strategy has drawbacks and strengths, the strategy that has been the most successful in many high-crime neighborhoods may be the most difficult for police officials to adopt or support. Some specific actions within police agencies might reduce their traditional resistance to effective involvement in community change.
