Final answer:
Centralization is not a key principle of community policing. Instead, community policing relies on community consultation, interagency cooperation, and accountability to the community, emphasizing decentralization for better engagement and effective crime reduction strategies. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key principle of community policing not represented in the provided options is centralization. In fact, community policing typically emphasizes decentralization, promoting more direct interaction and decision-making at the neighborhood level. This approach leverages community consultation, interagency cooperation, and accountability to the community as foundational elements. These principles encourage police to work constructively with citizens and various organizations to enhance safety and security.
Community consultation implies actively seeking the input and involvement of local residents in policing policies and strategies, which helps in building trust and legitimacy. Interagency cooperation refers to collaborative efforts among different sectors, like social services, schools, and health agencies, to address complex community issues. Lastly, accountability to the community ensures transparency and responsiveness to the public's concerns and needs.
Effective police tactics that reduce crime often involve community-oriented strategies, like intensive foot patrols in crime hotspots, neighborhood watch programs, and the strategic use of CCTV and body cameras. These tactics aim to build community engagement and enhance the relationship between the police and the community to foster a safer environment.
Hence, Option c is correct.