I WAS glad to learn that the proposal to set up police stations at shoplots is gradually being implemented.

It is time for the police to focus on community policing, with the goal of preventing and reducing crime. Studies have shown that community policing works well to reduce and prevent crime by making it hard to commit criminal activities. One can only hope that police presence in shoplots will prevent minor crimes.

Other aspects of community policing can and should be introduced as soon as possible. Putting policemen into their own homes, rather than having them living at police stations, will increase their community presence and allow interaction with members of the community. Policemen on bicycles or on foot are also more approachable.

If we can make the interaction between the police and community stronger, we can make our communities safer.

MOAZ YUSUF AHMAD, Subang Jaya

Source: NST – February 18, 2008