The Role of Local Police in Enhancing Social Capital and Reducing Urban Crime: A Comparative Study of Marginalized and Central Areas

Abstract

Social capital is considered one of the most influential deterrents against social harm and urban crime, and the role of local police in strengthening this capital becomes particularly critical in marginalized urban areas. The present study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the role of local police in enhancing social capital and reducing urban crime in two distinct urban contexts: central and marginalized districts. The research employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative analysis of secondary crime statistics over the past five years with qualitative semi-structured interviews involving 30 residents and local police officers. The findings indicate that in central urban areas, local police primarily focus on surveillance, visible presence, and the control of public spaces, which has significantly contributed to reducing petty theft and street conflicts. In contrast, marginalized neighborhoods are characterized by lower levels of social capital and a wider gap between police and residents, resulting in diminished mutual trust and limiting the effectiveness of policing initiatives. The study also reveals that community engagement in security processes and the adoption of community-oriented policing approaches have the most substantial impact on reducing crime rates and fostering social trust. Moreover, institutional fragmentation between social institutions and the police in marginalized areas undermines the efficiency of law enforcement when applied in isolation. Accordingly, the research suggests that urban policymakers and law enforcement authorities should prioritize approaches that strengthen local social networks, build reciprocal trust, and actively engage citizens in crime prevention strategies, especially in socially vulnerable neighborhoods. This study highlights the necessity of shifting from reactive policing models to community-based policing, underscoring that without social capital, policing interventions are unlikely to result in sustainable reductions in urban crime.