Wk 1 - Historical Aspect of Policing
Intro
Policing in America has massively evolved over the years. Initially, police officers had
mismatched uniforms, no rules to abide by, and were very unprofessional. Their main
goal was to keep everyone in accordance with the law. Throughout the years, policing
has changed and is now a more organized and structured aspect of law enforcement.
The drive to professionalize policing started with the implementation of technology,
education, and leadership training in a way to keep the community crime free to this
day.
o Who is Robert Peel, and what is his significance related to policing?
Sir Robert Peel was a second baronet and member of the British Conservative
statesman who served as Prime Minister of the U.K. He is known as the father of
modern British policing, who established the metropolitan police force. Sir Robert Peel
stated that the primary role of policing should be to protect the people, prevent crime
and punish criminals. He also stated that police officers should be loyal to their
profession and maintain order.
o Describe an event that occurred in the Political Era of Policing. How do
you feel it has impacted policing today?
During the 1800s to early 1900s, known as the political era of policing, it was very
biased, with no proper system in place. Many people during that era were not happy
with the way that the police conducted business and thought that the politicians used
the police for their own good. There were a lot of injustices and corruption during that
time, and the number of police crimes and violence was very high. The overall image of
the police force during that era was horrible, which led to the reform of the police
force we see today.
o Explain what changed in policing during the Professional Era.
During the professional era of policing, politics were rejected as a base of police
management. It resulted in the implementation of the civil service system, where the
police force is no longer seen as working for political leaders but seen as officers who
abide by and enforce the law. That era introduced an assortment of police practices
that we still see today, such as police academies, police training, and the introduction
of police radio cars. Radio cars became the symbol of policing by representing
presence, mobility, and control.
o Explain the police crises of the 1960s.
The crisis of the police that occurred in 1960 resulted from civil unrest and citizens not
being satisfied with the political and societal conditions within the country. The crime
rate massively increased during that period, in addition to the low wages and police
officers quitting their jobs, which resulted in a shortage in the force.
o Describe at least 2 developments in policing since 1970.
There have been several changes in policing since 1970 to date such as the police
demographic, technology, and different way to address crime. Compared to the past
era, many more African Americans and females are now being hired compared to when
Intro
Policing in America has massively evolved over the years. Initially, police officers had
mismatched uniforms, no rules to abide by, and were very unprofessional. Their main
goal was to keep everyone in accordance with the law. Throughout the years, policing
has changed and is now a more organized and structured aspect of law enforcement.
The drive to professionalize policing started with the implementation of technology,
education, and leadership training in a way to keep the community crime free to this
day.
o Who is Robert Peel, and what is his significance related to policing?
Sir Robert Peel was a second baronet and member of the British Conservative
statesman who served as Prime Minister of the U.K. He is known as the father of
modern British policing, who established the metropolitan police force. Sir Robert Peel
stated that the primary role of policing should be to protect the people, prevent crime
and punish criminals. He also stated that police officers should be loyal to their
profession and maintain order.
o Describe an event that occurred in the Political Era of Policing. How do
you feel it has impacted policing today?
During the 1800s to early 1900s, known as the political era of policing, it was very
biased, with no proper system in place. Many people during that era were not happy
with the way that the police conducted business and thought that the politicians used
the police for their own good. There were a lot of injustices and corruption during that
time, and the number of police crimes and violence was very high. The overall image of
the police force during that era was horrible, which led to the reform of the police
force we see today.
o Explain what changed in policing during the Professional Era.
During the professional era of policing, politics were rejected as a base of police
management. It resulted in the implementation of the civil service system, where the
police force is no longer seen as working for political leaders but seen as officers who
abide by and enforce the law. That era introduced an assortment of police practices
that we still see today, such as police academies, police training, and the introduction
of police radio cars. Radio cars became the symbol of policing by representing
presence, mobility, and control.
o Explain the police crises of the 1960s.
The crisis of the police that occurred in 1960 resulted from civil unrest and citizens not
being satisfied with the political and societal conditions within the country. The crime
rate massively increased during that period, in addition to the low wages and police
officers quitting their jobs, which resulted in a shortage in the force.
o Describe at least 2 developments in policing since 1970.
There have been several changes in policing since 1970 to date such as the police
demographic, technology, and different way to address crime. Compared to the past
era, many more African Americans and females are now being hired compared to when
