Policing vulnerability through building community connections

Most people who come into contact with the Police Service can be described, in some way or other, as vulnerable. Victims, offenders, witnesses, and bystanders are all exposed to social conflict and attempts by the police to restore order. Thus, while vulnerability is context-specific it is largely defined via deficit frameworks that view individuals and groups as marginalized or disadvantaged and requiring immediate intervention. This framework is expensive, risk-averse, and often counter-productive for police and associated agencies. The policy push for demand reduction amongst policing agencies offers an opportunity to re-evaluate this approach and to identify and mobilize local assets that can support vulnerable populations. This article draws on the literature on addictions and recovery to explore the networks of support available to vulnerable populations and the potential mechanisms this presents for the development of assertive linkages, community capacity, and self-policing.