The relation between social capital and the role of the police in crime prevention

In our country, the police are one of the most important organizations which are responsible for maintaining order and security in society. Crime prevention in both individual and social aspects has a direct relation with police presence and performance. To mention the necessity of social capital some of its main functions are as below: 1. Social capital leads to increase in the level of social awareness. 2. Social capital leads to socialization, openness and is, in fact, a practice for a social life with freedom and democracy. 3. Social capital leads to self-reliance, self-confidence and self-discovery. 4. Social capital leads to supply of people's individual, social, cultural and economic needs (Gholam Rezae, 121:1376). The method of the research is based on documentary studies, library studies and taking use of research achievements of high ranks. The results indicate that the police earning the community's trust must be in harmony with society members in a welcoming manner. If the people comprehend that the police are on side with their society's values and norms, they will then trust the police and their siding with society intensifies. In addition, if the educational centers (such as schools and universities) step forward by educating and reinforcing social trust amongst families and society members and also the IRIB takes role by producing and broadcasting programs to promote mutual assistance and to reinforce social trust and social cohesion, then we will see crime reduction and social security. The main point of this article is to provide the necessary grounds for people participation in different areas with the police in order to prevent the «people-and-police» rupture. Each process which separates the police force from people will be in fact a «negative» process for social capital and subsequently a ground for a rise in crime.