This report, released March 2001 by the Department of Justice, "focuses on changes in the prevalence of community oriented policing policies, programs, and activities." The report finds a significant increase over the last few years in the use of community policing nationwide, with about twice as many departments employing it in 1999 as compared to 1997. Community policing is defined in the press release as involving greater contact between police and the community through such means as community meetings and more foot and bicycle patrols. Note: this report does not offer data on the effectiveness of such methods in reducing crime or increasing community trust. For such data and more information on the program, visit the Community Oriented Policing Services program at www.usdoj.gov/cops.