What does the term "police-community ratio" refer to?

The term "police-community ratio" specifically refers to the number of police officers available per 1,000 residents in a community. This metric is significant because it provides insight into the level of policing resources in relation to the population size. A higher ratio suggests more officers are available to serve and protect the community, which can impact the effectiveness of policing and community relations. This ratio is a crucial factor in law enforcement planning and assessing community safety needs, as it reflects how well the police can respond to incidents, prevent crime, and engage with community members.