---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I mean that the function of the police is…"
description: "\"I mean that the function of the police is to solve problems that have law-enforcement consequences in a way that is based on a genuine partnership with..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/401/james-q-wilson-16701_discussion_i-mean-that-the-function-of-the-police-i_1261557.jpg"
---

#  I mean that the function of the police is to solve…

![“I mean that the function of the police is to solve problems that have law-enforcement consequences in a way that is based on a genuine partnership with the neighborhood in both the venting of the problem and the discussion of the solution” quote by James Q. Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/401/james-q-wilson-16701_discussion_i-mean-that-the-function-of-the-police-i_1261557.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/401/james-q-wilson-16701_discussion_i-mean-that-the-function-of-the-police-i_1261557.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/401/james-q-wilson-16701_discussion_i-mean-that-the-function-of-the-police-i_1261557.jpg)

> “I mean that the function of the police is to solve problems that have law-enforcement consequences in a way that is based on a genuine partnership with the neighborhood in both the venting of the problem and the discussion of the solution”

[James Q. Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-q-wilson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Police should solve law‑related problems through genuine partnership with communities, combining problem‑venting and solution discussion.

**In simple terms:** Effective policing partners with neighborhoods to address issues.

Key Takeaway

Foster collaborative problem‑solving with residents.

Themes

law enforcement community partnership problem solving

Mood

analytical critical

Type

policy practical

When to use this quote

- neighborhood meetings
- crime prevention initiatives
- policy design

Key Concepts

police legitimacy collaborative governance community engagement

Questions to Reflect On

- How can trust be built between police and community?
- What mechanisms ensure equitable problem solving?

A Different Perspective

Power imbalances may hinder true partnership.

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[Law enforcement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law-enforcement/) [Neighborhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/neighborhood/) [Partnership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/partnership/) [Police](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/police/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/)

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