The effort exerted by the police through community policing initiative in Wau has drawn police personnel closer to citizens.
Many residents can now report crimes without fear of being implicated, Radio Voice of Hope reports.
Police earlier in the state could detain or subject citizens to investigation after reporting a crime case making many to decline giving information, say civilians.
Teresa Ramadan, a community police member, says relationship between police and residents is improving because community policing activities reduce crimes.
Hassan John another member says the police in his area have a military background and do not know how to go about with the citizens.
James Anthony Kobo says more efforts are needed to create effective community policing.
Police Commissioner Chol Tuc says continuous dialogue between community and police will ease their work as citizens will be able to give out information to the force.
UNDP organized the community policing workshop for 30 community members and police personnel to effect relationship between them in combating crimes.
Community policing allows a citizens to call police directly or provide information regarding particular suspected crimes.