[frogstamper]

I think the point Rizzy is trying to get across is that police on foot in residential areas where the locals can regularly see them, and if they wish talk with them, would engender a connection between that community and said policeman. I imagine if people knew the same copper was going to be on their streets day in and week in they would be far more inclined to report something to the face they know, as opposed to an unknown copper at the local station, at least they'd be reassured the beat copper would be back on their streets the following day.