The Roots of Policing in America: Slave Patrols 

To understand community policing in a contemporary context requires a look through the long lens of history, enslavement, and slave patrols.

Where and why did it begin?

• Charleston City Watch and Guard (1790s) Charleston, NC Slave Patrols - Majority black (slaves) population
• Minority white population terrified at the possibility of slave uprisings wanted a group focused on the control of black people.
• Reconstruction/Jim Crow Era - focused on enforcing black codes, the laws and policies meant to control the lives/movement of black people.

In this episode Anita, Mavis, and Gails discuss the remnants of slave patrols and community policing in contemporary history. 

Community Policing Defined: What/How

Community policing is a collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems. With the police no longer the sole guardians of law and order, all members of the community become active allies in the effort to enhance the safety and quality of neighborhoods.

"In general terms, community policing is not a program; it is not a set of activities; it is not a personnel designation. Rather, community policing is a law enforcement philosophy, a way of thinking about improving public safety." https://www.law.berkeley.edu/files/What_Works_in_Community_Policing.pdf