The Community Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program was developed by the Chicago Police department nearly 20 years ago to bring community members, the police, and other city agencies together to identify and solve neighborhood crime problems. CAPS uses innovative strategies such as neighborhood- based beat officers, regular community meetings, and technology to help police and residents target crime hot spots.
The goal of the program is for residents to get to know and work with their local beat facilitators to report crime. Although CAPS has received praise from some residents, many criticize the program because homicides and crime continue to plague Chicago and community engagement in some neighborhoods is low. Accordingly, Chicago officials are looking to reinvigorate the CAPS program to engage more residents and reduce crime. Officials are also developing a new evaluation program to better determine which aspects of the program are working and tailor the program to meet the needs of communities. Read more here.