The research revolution in police work has uncovered a multitude of data, but this contemporary knowledge has done very little to change the way things are done in most police departments across the U.S., where the prevalent form of policing is based on the traditional model of district assignments and random preventive patrol. Mission-Based Policing unveils a new paradigm that transitions policing away from practices that while long-held, have inadequately dealt with serious crime.

Drawn from the work of scholars on the cutting edge of police research, this volume argues for a radical shift in the way policing is approached. It provides concrete recommendations for the fundamental reorganization of the policing institution and presents a comprehensive planning regimen for urban problems that encompasses security, urban reinvestment, and public planning. Introducing an innovative, practical model for problem-oriented policing in high crime areas, the book uncovers:

• Contemporary problems in urban policing today
• Counter-insurgency strategy and how it might contribute to successful policing
• The five central principles of mission-based policing: focus, effectiveness, deployment, integrity, and mission’s end
• The concept of logical lines of operation (LOOs): planning, security, establishing/restoring essential services, and rebuilding
• Strategies for police department reorganization guided by principles of mission-based policing
• Potential issues raised by the concept or applications of mission-based policing, including practicality, command problems, and perceived risks

Outlining a specific methodology for police redeployment, the book highlights the importance of hot spot presence, command integrity, and fundamental organizational change that has as its end goal long term reduction in crime statistics through effective crime prevention practices.