1.  The main purpose of a community based philosophy is local problem solving to improve public safety.
The specific strategies must be determined in accordance with the problems and resources in the community.

2.  The community includes the full rage of residents, business people, agencies, etc. in a geographical area or neighbourhood and the safety needs of all segments of the neighbourhood must be addressed.

3.  The essential factors in the implementing of Community Based Policing are a problem orientation and a consultative approach to obtain input from the public.

4.  Within the Community Based Policing framework, a wide range of strategies ( i.e. programs, activities) are appropriate. These may include, for example, attendance in public meetings to provide information or to obtain feedback; special programs in schools to build closer ties between police and youth; mini stations
(mobile or fixed); community foot patrols; special outreach to victims of domestic violence and community liaison committees. None of these programs standing alone guarantees the success of Community Based Policing. It is the ongoing consultative process to identify and prioritize local problems that is essential.

5.  The police service should not and cannot address all public safety needs on its own. Community residents, agencies and organization offer a resource to help set priorities and help solve problems, particularly when police resources are scarce. All problems cannot be given equal attention.

6.  A large number of policing problems overlap without concerns, such as social, economic, health and environmental problems. Public and private agencies with mandates in these areas must be drawn upon.

7.  Community foot patrols are valuable in reaching the community but are not the only way to implement this policing orientation. Divisions without resources to dedicate to area foot patrols can nevertheless develop a wide range of other strategies which will enhance problem solving and local input without fully dedicated resources.

8. Community Based Policing is not an add-on, nor is it "soft policing." It should enhance the focus on serious local problems and facilitate effective solutions. These may well be high profile, targeted enforcement strategies.

9.  Successful Community Based Policing will result in more efficient use of all resources because resources will be allocated in accordance with high priority concerns.

The Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service is divided up into five patrol zones. Each platoon has one-two patrol drivers assigned to each area. These officers patrol the same area or zone for an extended period of time. By doing this, they become familiar with the merchants and residents of the area, and are able to learn the problems of their area. The teams, including the Traffic Team, meet as a group to conduct problem solving and develop project strategies.

The Team Policing model has been working in Peterborough since the late 1970's, and has had significant impact on the crime rate in the City of Peterborough.