Beyond community policing: Human security-informed approach to community security

This article is related directly to the Seventh International Conference on Law Enforcement & Public Health (LEPH) held in Ottawa, Canada in July 2025.

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of community policing in addressing comprehensive security needs through a human security-oriented lens. While traditional policing emphasizes law enforcement and crime prevention, increasing societal complexity and recurring civil unrest expose significant gaps in how broader security concerns are managed. The study investigates whether community policing genuinely enhances overall security and explores how policing strategies can better promote safety and trust within communities. Using empirical data from a recent study in Nepal and a comparative analysis of community policing models in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Denmark, the research identifies key factors shaping insecurity beyond crime—such as intimidation, lack of justice access, poor income conditions, and inadequate health services. Although community policing has improved police–community relationships and public trust, it often fails to respond effectively to localized, context-specific security challenges. Perceptions of security differ widely depending on environment, gender, age, and ethnicity, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach. The findings argue for a human security-informed model of policing that integrates socioeconomic measures—like employment, education, and access to basic services—with enhanced police practices emphasizing integrity, visibility, investigative capacity, and community partnership. This holistic framework bridges the existing gap between conventional policing and broader human security concerns. By addressing the social and economic dimensions of insecurity, such an approach strengthens both trust and safety. The paper highlights its particular relevance for post-conflict societies like Nepal and other nations prioritizing the security development nexus.