Ashley Glisson
CJ205
11/9/24
Watchman-Style Situation:
In a small, close-knit community, a police officer notices a group of teenagers loitering
around a local park after curfew. Instead of immediately issuing citations or making arrests, the
officer approaches the group and engages them in conversation. The officer learns that the teens
have no other place to go and are not causing any harm. The officer decides to give them a
warning and advises them to head home. The officer also makes a note to discuss with the
community leaders the need for more youth-centered activities or spaces.
Culture Based on Watchman Style:
From this scenario, we can infer that the organizational and political culture of the agency
prioritizes maintaining public order and community relationships over strict law enforcement.
This style suggests a more discretionary and flexible approach to policing, where officers are
encouraged to use their judgment and focus on minor disturbances to prevent larger issues. The
agency likely values community trust and aims to address underlying social issues
collaboratively.
Legalistic-Style Situation:
In a larger urban city, a police officer on patrol observes a driver running a red light. The
officer immediately pulls the driver over and issues a traffic citation without any discussion or
warning. The officer follows strict procedures and ensures that all the legal requirements are met,
documenting the incident thoroughly and preparing to submit the report as part of the city's
traffic enforcement policy.
Culture Based on Legalistic Style:
This scenario indicates that the agency's organizational and political culture emphasizes
strict adherence to laws and regulations. The focus is on enforcing the law uniformly and
consistently, with less discretion afforded to individual officers. This approach suggests a high
value placed on accountability, deterrence, and a formalized structure within the agency, aiming
to reduce crime through strict law enforcement.
Service-Style Situation:
In a suburban neighborhood, a police officer receives a call about a senior citizen who
appears confused and lost. Upon arriving, the officer gently engages with the elderly person,
discovering that they have dementia and have wandered away from their home. The officer
contacts social services and stays with the senior until a social worker arrives. The officer also
CJ205
11/9/24
Watchman-Style Situation:
In a small, close-knit community, a police officer notices a group of teenagers loitering
around a local park after curfew. Instead of immediately issuing citations or making arrests, the
officer approaches the group and engages them in conversation. The officer learns that the teens
have no other place to go and are not causing any harm. The officer decides to give them a
warning and advises them to head home. The officer also makes a note to discuss with the
community leaders the need for more youth-centered activities or spaces.
Culture Based on Watchman Style:
From this scenario, we can infer that the organizational and political culture of the agency
prioritizes maintaining public order and community relationships over strict law enforcement.
This style suggests a more discretionary and flexible approach to policing, where officers are
encouraged to use their judgment and focus on minor disturbances to prevent larger issues. The
agency likely values community trust and aims to address underlying social issues
collaboratively.
Legalistic-Style Situation:
In a larger urban city, a police officer on patrol observes a driver running a red light. The
officer immediately pulls the driver over and issues a traffic citation without any discussion or
warning. The officer follows strict procedures and ensures that all the legal requirements are met,
documenting the incident thoroughly and preparing to submit the report as part of the city's
traffic enforcement policy.
Culture Based on Legalistic Style:
This scenario indicates that the agency's organizational and political culture emphasizes
strict adherence to laws and regulations. The focus is on enforcing the law uniformly and
consistently, with less discretion afforded to individual officers. This approach suggests a high
value placed on accountability, deterrence, and a formalized structure within the agency, aiming
to reduce crime through strict law enforcement.
Service-Style Situation:
In a suburban neighborhood, a police officer receives a call about a senior citizen who
appears confused and lost. Upon arriving, the officer gently engages with the elderly person,
discovering that they have dementia and have wandered away from their home. The officer
contacts social services and stays with the senior until a social worker arrives. The officer also
