Book Review: Brogden, M., & Nijhar, P. (2005). Community Policing National and International Models and Approaches. Portland, OR: Willan. 259 pp

• DOI: 10.1177/1057567708319401
• Published date: 01 June 2008
• Author: John M. Boal
• Date: 01 June 2008
• Subject Matter: Articles

techniques, and provides case examples that are specifically related to transport managers (e.g., the Port

Authority Bus Terminal study). This chapter, along with the foreword by Ron Clarke, provides a solid

justification for why this book should be considered an essential handbook for all managers of transport-

related activities. The following two chapters provide a detailed overview of the problem-oriented polic-

ing process and how it may be used to conceptualize transport-related crimes into those occurring

against the environment (target), those against passengers (targets), and those against employees (target

handlers). The subsequent chapters are focused on each of five crime types in detail and are organized

meaningfully in terms of problem causes, how each crime type may be analyzed using the principles of

problem-oriented policing, what the possible responses are, illustrative case examples, and implemen-

tation considerations specific to each crime type. The final chapter deals with the issues of fear of crime

in relation to public transport and terrorism, thus enhancing the book’s comprehensiveness. However,

particularly given that the publication is London-based, one suggested improvement to this book could

be an in-depth analysis of the London bombings using problem-oriented policing guidelines. This could

provide managers with specific contextual analysis and advice relating to an event that would presum-

ably be foremost in their minds when considering transport safety in the United Kingdom.

The readability of the book is helped by how the authors have proposed practical prevention sug-

gestions under five primary crime categories: (a) antisocial behavior, (b) crimes against passengers,

(c) crimes against transport employees, (d) crimes against property (e.g., vandalism and graffiti), and

(e) “line of route” crimes occurring on railway tracks and/or bus routes. Although these categories

are not necessarily mutually exclusive, the list of crimes covered (including a later section on ter-

rorism) is quite exhaustive. The authors make explicit the principles guiding such practical recom-

mendations, including a focus on problem solving, affordability, and using those strategies that have

the greatest likelihood of achieving successful results. The authors also provide summaries of spe-

cific research findings to justify their development of various strategies.

The inclusion of appendices specifying locations of relevant local data repositories and potential

sources of funding for projects adds further benefit for managers. Although it should be noted that

research on environmental criminology and transport safety is still relatively in its infancy, the authors

have managed to synthesize a variety of research findings on topics such as patterns of crime/disorder

on public transport and the effectiveness of previous transport-related crime prevention initiatives. The

authors’ ability to provide such a research synthesis, particularly using the five crime categories, should

provide any future researchers with a solid starting point for their forays into this field.

Overall, this book is an excellent resource for managers of public transport systems, providing

them with an understanding of environmental criminology and how it can be used in their day-to-day

activities. Consequently, the book may also help much needed research into this area by fostering

further relationships between practitioners and academics in efforts to make public transport a safer

and more pleasant experience.

Sacha Rombouts

Independent Scholar, Brisbane, Australia

Brogden, M., & Nijhar, P. (2005). Community Policing National and International Models

and Approaches. Portland, OR: Willan. 259 pp.

DOI: 10.1177/1057567708319401

In Community Policing: National and International Models and Approaches, Brogden and Nijhar

take on a very ambitious topic. They set out to review community policing models and practices inter-

nationally. It would at first seem like a daunting task but it is important to remember that a basic tenet

Book Reviews 231