Police History and Function 26 02 2014 07 07 00 English legal tradition Limited authority o Powers and duties are specifically defined by law Local control o No national police force Fragmented organization o Many types of agencies Frankpledge o Tithings 10 families Males 12 Sir Robert Peel o Prevent crime without using repressive force o Maintain public order by nonviolent means o Reduce conflict between police and public o Show efficiency through absence of crime and disorder Policing Eras Colonial Eras o Weather disasters and Native Americas o Watch system o Slave patrols Political Era o Closes ties formed between police and local political leaders o Police ranks for sale o New York 1845 First full time paid police force o Use of foot patrol o Caring for derelicts operating soup kitchens regulating public health handling medical and social emergencies Professional Era 1920 1970 o August Vollmer Leading advocated of professional policing o Police uniforms o Motorcycle unites handwriting analysis fingerprinting o Force should stay out of politics o Members should be well trained disciplined and tightly organized o Laws enforced equally o Force should use new technology o Personnel procedures should be based on merit o Main task should be fighting crime o Use of motorized patrols efficient radio communication and rapid response Community Policing Era 1970 Present Police isolated from community Community policing Problem oriented policing o Community Orienting Policing Services FBI DEA ATF IRS TSA o US Marshals Service o Customs and Border Protection o Secret Service o National Parks Service Profile of a Police Officer Biggest attraction o Variety of tasks Deterrents o Modest salaries o Job stress o Danger Qualification Examples o US citizen o High school diploma o Some college coursework o Oqe requirements o Driver s license o Healthy proportional weight o Excellent physical condition US Border Patrol Police subculture Working Personality o Danger Constant pressure to recognize crime Never really off duty Constant state of high alert Surrounded by risk Tension in officers lives o Authority Must establish authority through actions Demeanor and behavior Police Morality inability to do so Contraction between goal of preventing crime and the officer s Fact that officers must use their discretion to handle situations in ways that do not strictly follow procedures Fact that they invariably act against at least one citizen s interest often with recourse to coercive force that can maim or kill Belief that the public is hostile toward officers Mainly interact with public in moments of conflict emotion and Tendency to socialize with families and other officers Police Isolation crisis Job Stress Eternal stress o Real threats and dangers Enter a dark building Personal stress o Possible gender racial status among peers o Irregular work hours detailed rules and procedures o Dealing with thieves derelicts mentally ill o Social isolation Organizational stress constant adjustment Operational stress o Often lied to Police Functions Order maintenance Law enforcement Service Wrap up Police organization type Wilson s three styles of policing
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