Quote Originally Posted by Elhuero View Post
back when I shared a house on the south end with some friends, the mexicans down the street would rip up and down the block in their mustang at about 80. (well, they still do.. I just don't live there anymore)

if community policing was in effect, my buddy could have waved them down, then directed their attention to me on the porch holding my rifle, then asked them politely to slow down.

it is not used because

A. self defense is criminalized and

B. [insert lazy cops comment here]

It is used however it depends on the size of the city, number of police officers, and call load for that department. Different departments will have different effects. My PD works fairly closely with a lot organizations and we also have community service officers that their sole duty is to make contact with community leaders, businesses, etc.

I would also suggest that research has shown that criminals watch patterns of police officers and once they get used to a certain pattern the criminal strikes (i.e. breaking into cars or houses). It is important for an officer for community safety as well as personal safety to not e complacent and not to be repeat their actions whenever possible during patrolling.

You make a point about lazy officers, I have worked with some that I have criticised to their face because they aren't pro-active enough in their areas. Some PD's just don't have the time.