Collaboration Patterns of the Police and Community Actors in a Particularly Vulnerable Area in Sweden

This study explores the collaboration between the Swedish police and community actors in a particularly vulnerable area. Drawing on Horwath and Morrison’s framework, the study identifies three levels of collaboration—communication, cooperation, and coordination—and examines the conditions that facilitate or hinder effective collaboration. Based on 22 qualitative interviews, the data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings highlight the importance of leadership, trust-based relationships, and structured approaches. Contextual factors such as resource imbalances, institutional presence, and community perceptions significantly influence collaborative dynamics. While collaboration is essential for enhancing safety and trust, it remains fragile when dependent on individual actors or uneven institutional support. The study concludes that successful collaboration requires shared goals, equitable capacity, sustained engagement, and a deep understanding of local conditions. These findings contribute to the broader research on community policing and interagency collaboration, and offer practical implications for improving safety and social cohesion in vulnerable urban contexts.