This could be due to a variety of reasons, including the messages we are taught growing up about the police. Not only does this undermine police safety and effectiveness, but it also prevents many victims from seeking help under the assumption that the police will not help them or will harm them or their families . This is of particular concern in ethnic communities who have different traditions that they fear the police will infringe upon. According to a publication by the Criminal Justice Policy Research Institute (2011), community awareness and patrol officer involvement can reduce crime and increase citizen and citizen safety..