Community policing is a philosophy and organizational strategy promoting partnership between police and communities to address crime and public safety. Rather than reactive responses to incidents, community policing emphasizes building relationships, involving community members in identifying priorities, addressing root causes of crime, and proactive problem-solving. Approaches include neighbourhood officers assigned to specific areas, community liaison committees, school resource officers, foot patrols that increase officer-resident interaction, and collaborative approaches to issues like homelessness or mental health. Community policing aims to build trust, particularly in communities with historically strained police relationships. Effectiveness depends on genuine commitment, not just superficial programs.