Posted on: Sunday, January 9, 2005

EDITORIAL
Bring back the beat generation

At one time, Honolulu cops went directly from the police academy to walking a neighborhood beat. It was on that watch, through daily interactions with merchants and residents, that they'd really learn their territory and what to watch out for.

Over the past few decades, however, a lack of officers, new technology and differing philosophies about policing have intermittently pulled foot patrols from neighborhoods such as Chinatown, traditionally a magnet for drug dealers, prostitutes, thieves, gamblers and other petty criminals.

Granted, today's recruits get field training, but they don't walk a beat.

Fortunately, that's about to change. At the end of the month, up to 10 police recruits set to complete their field training will be sent to Chinatown to walk beats; another 20 will go to Waikiki.

Not only does an increased pedestrian police presence deter crime, it's also a great way for rookie cops to develop people skills and get to know the neighborhood.

As police Maj. Kevin Lima, head of the District 1 patrol sector, points out: "Our officers have the ability to use deadly force, arrest people and temporarily halt their ability to move freely." That daunting responsibility requires thorough training, not just in law enforcement, but also in community relations.

The concept of community policing is certainly not new. Major cities throughout the United States have brought back foot patrols in high-crime neighborhoods, with largely positive results.

And studies on community policing repeatedly show that residents feel an enormous reassurance from seeing a uniformed officer on patrol in their neighborhood, and police, in turn, pick up valuable tips about criminal activity.

There are those who will argue that modern technology, innovative policing methods, changes in the criminal justice system and neighborhood watch groups have reduced the need for foot patrols.

But in our view, there's no substitute for the tried-and-true beat cop patrolling the streets, with officers becoming more visible and valued members of our community.