Having police officers patrolling the streets is often considered an essential way to reduce crime. How effective do you think police street patrols are? What other ways of reducing crime can you propose? Give reasons for your answer, and provide ideas and examples from your own experience.

We are all keen to reduce crime wherever possible, and the role of visible policing is a hotly debated part of

this

. Personally, I feel that street patrols are highly effective,

although

there are several supplementary methods too. Regarding the effectiveness of patrols, evidence suggests that an increase in

police

on the streets leads directly to a drop in crime, especially crimes of violence and robbery.

This

was the experience of New York when it adopted the 'zero tolerance' policy in the 1990s, a high-profile policing tactic which has been extended successfully to many other cities worldwide. When compared o other tactics that have been tried, ranging from citizen patrols to CCTV, there is little doubt that assertive

police

patrolling is the most effective resource we have. Turning to other methods, we should supplement

police

patrols with

coordianted

being dexterous in the use of more than one set of muscle movements

coordinated

action elsewhere in the state.

For instance

, the courts should be

preapred

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

prepared

to issue

deterrant

something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

deterrent

sentences and prisons should be run strictly.

This

would help to deter people from committing crimes in the

first

place.

Secondly

, we should increase the resources available to the

police

away from the streets as well,

for

instance in

Accept comma addition

instance, in

detective and forensic departments, hopefully ensuring that detection rates are high when crimes do occur.

Moreover

, individuals and businesses should step up their own security arrangements to

complement

say something to someone that expresses praise

compliment

the

police

presence.

For example

, improved locks and lighting are simple measures which can reduce theft and burglary. All in all, I feel that visible

police

patrols

have been proved

Suggestion

proved

to be the most effective way to reduce common crimes. Their effectiveness can be maximized by supporting action from elsewhere in the

police

and

justice system

Suggestion

the justice system

, and by private citizens doing their part as well.