Summary
Police departments across the nation are challenged to reduce crime, improve quality of life, and, with diminished resources, face the increased threats to homeland security. Many have struggled to find the right balance between keeping communities safe, while at the same time having transparent and effective counterterrorism strategies. This thesis examines the role race plays in policing and the criminal justice system. A comparative analysis was conducted of the New York Police Department's community policing and counterterrorism strategies and that of the United Kingdom's counterpart, the Metropolitan Police Service. The research focuses on how important police legitimacy and transparency are to gaining the trust of the community at large. It also examines how technology and social media can assist in building trust and enhancing accountability. The research concludes with four recommendations, which, if implemented, will move the NYPD toward a more balanced counterterrorism strategy that actively engages with the community it serves.