The concept of community policing first came about when government officials, officials, and society at large recognized that existing crime-fighting tactics were becoming useless. There was a clear need for a new and dynamic way of addressing the issue of crime, while also involving the general public. According to Guy (2000), "community policing is, in essence, a collaboration between the police and the community that seeks to identify and resolve community problems. In this way, the police are no longer the sole guardians of the law and order. All members of the community become active allies in the effort to improve the safety and quality of life in different communities" (Guy 2000, p. 6). police and the general public. Community policing is based on a strong relationship with the community and the general public. The goal is to form strong bonds between community members and the police in an effort to reduce crime This does not mean that the police no longer have authority or have given up their duties of protection and service. It does mean, however, that the skills and resources found within communities will greatly assist the police in carrying out their duties own tasks. "All local government officials, social agencies, schools, church groups, business people - all those who work and live in the community and have a stake in its development - will share the responsibility for finding workable solutions to the problems that compromise the safety and security of the community" (Bureau of Justice Assistance 1994, p. 13). According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (1994), there are two fundamental concepts that are at the heart of community... middle of paper... .... community policing the study revealed above all that, "from the national survey on community perception of community policing initiatives by the police service, it seems that much more needs to be done also in terms of keeping the public service informed of the program and, at the same time, involving them in the necessary civic partnerships community, it is felt, has been left too far behind, even though it has a relatively good impression of the police service as a whole" (Deosaran 2002). , P. 142). This provides context and perspective on what is needed to strengthen community-police relations in Trinidad and Tobago, which will lead to a more effective community policing program. We will now go further by discussing strategies that can be used to further build collaborative relationships between the community and the police.