Police-Citizen Relationships in the United States

The relationship between the police and the public is vital in the enforcement of law and order in society. Frosty relations between the two create obstacles to proper policing, creating loopholes for crime to thrive. There exists mistrust between the public and police, which compromises the operations of the security agencies. The public may know persons who engage in crimes such as drug trafficking and abuse but will choose to mind its business rather than help the police track down the suspects and subject them to the law. When the police gain public trust, its work becomes easier as citizens will freely share information on any potential criminal activity within the community.