Relationships between the population and institutions, including the police and the legal system, have a direct impact on the quality of life in a city and therefore on real or perceived security. In particular, good relationships between the population and the police are a key factor for the former to feel safe and the latter to work efficiently and calmly. This is crucial because the police, whether national or local, are key actors in the ‘chain of security’, from crime prevention to sanction. In this context, local and regional authorities, which are the guarantors of security in their territory, can act as intermediaries and facilitators between institutions and citizens.
Each European country has their own police doctrine. Similarly, the quality of police-population relations varies greatly, not only between countries but also between cities, depending on social contexts and on the events in which the police are involved. However, Efus members all agree that the police should be close to citizens and follow a doctrine based on proximity in terms of method and of the quality of the service provided to the population.
> Minutes of the workshop organised as part of the 2021 conference:
European cooperation projects
Publications & Ressources
- Police-population relations: challenges, local practices and recommendations (Efus 2016)
- Prevention of re-offending: a training toolkit for local actors (Efus 2012)
- Innovative strategies for the prevention of re-offending (Efus 2009)
- Community policing (Efus 2000)
- Police forces in Europe and urban safety (Efus 1996)
Practice Sheets
Discover the actions implemented in communities across Europe through our summary documents, which present the key elements of each of these initiatives, including their context, objectives, activities, budget, evaluation. All of our practice and summary sheets can be found on Efus Network.