What outcome can be expected if law enforcement and the community do not trust each other?

When there is a lack of trust between law enforcement and the community, one of the primary outcomes is that crimes may go unreported, leading to an increase in crime. Community members often rely on trust to feel safe and secure when reporting criminal activities. If they fear retaliation, suspect that their concerns will not be taken seriously, or believe that law enforcement does not have their best interests at heart, they are less likely to report crimes. This underreporting can obscure the true nature of crime in the community, making it difficult for law enforcement to address issues effectively. The distrust can create a cycle where crime flourishes due to the lack of communication and cooperation between the two entities, making it essential for trust-building efforts to be prioritized in community policing initiatives.