Do Not Include A Header In This Course We Have Been Learning
Do Not Include A Headerin This Course We Have Been Learning About The
Do not include a header. In this course we have been learning about the different eras of policing, from the inception of the first police force in 1829 to the current era of policing today. Based on the current climate, there is a level of distrust today between the police and the public. Riots, marches, and protests in response to high-profile police shootings have eroded the relationships that were built through community policing. With the hopes of improving police efficiency and finding new approaches to working together with the public, the country is again ready for a new era of policing.
Use the Internet and your textbook to research the different eras of policing up until today. Based on the role and function of police officers changing over the years, address the questions below relative to the current state of policing and where we are headed in the future. Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you: Examine at least (2) of the eras of policing and discuss their main strengths and weaknesses. Examine at least two (2) issues facing law enforcement today and explain the impact both of these issues have on social order. Take a position on where law enforcement is headed in the next five (5) years.
Discuss what you believe the future of policing looks like, and the main challenges you think law enforcement will face. Describe the role of the public in cooperation with the police, as you see it, in the near future in order to improve the relationship between these groups and to optimally work together in facing the future challenges you identified. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note : Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the professor's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Distinguish the relationship of criminal justice to social justice and the wider notion of equity and fairness. Summarize the mission of law enforcement in democratic societies and describe the structure of American policing today. Summarize the current ethical issues faced by criminal justice professionals and future of the criminal justice system. Use technology and information resources to research issues in criminal justice. Write clearly and concisely about criminal justice using proper writing mechanics and APA style conventions.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of policing in the United States reflects broader social, political, and technological changes that have shaped law enforcement's role and functions over the decades. An understanding of this history can guide current reforms and future directions. This paper explores two significant eras of policing—the Political Era and the Community Policing Era—examining their strengths and weaknesses, analyzing current challenges, and presenting insights into the future of law enforcement.
The Political Era (1840s–1930s) was characterized by close ties between police and political entities. Police officers often served political interests in exchange for job security and influence. A primary strength of this era was the close proximity of police to the communities they served, which sometimes enabled swift responses to local issues—a concept rooted in early community-oriented policing. However, its weaknesses, notably corruption, politicization, and abuse of authority, undermined public trust and compromised the integrity of policing (Kappeler, 2012). Such corruption led to widespread misconduct, which hindered efforts to establish professional law enforcement agencies and eroded social order.
In contrast, the Community Policing Era, emerging prominently in the 1960s and 1970s, aimed to rebuild trust and foster cooperation between police and communities. Its strengths lie in emphasizing community involvement, proactive problem solving, and tailoring policing strategies to local needs. This approach has improved legitimacy and cooperation, leading to better crime prevention and increased public trust. Nonetheless, weaknesses include inconsistent implementation, resource constraints, and sometimes superficial community engagement that fails to address deeper social issues (Skogan, 2006). Despite these limitations, community policing underscores the importance of partnership and mutual respect, which are crucial for maintaining social order.
Today, law enforcement faces significant issues impacting social order. These include police misconduct and racial profiling. Police misconduct, including excessive use of force, undermines public confidence and can lead to unrest, as seen in recent protests. Racial profiling further damages relationships, fosters distrust, and exacerbates social divisions (Tyler & Fagan, 2013). Both issues challenge the legitimacy of police authority and threaten social stability by fueling unrest and eroding faith in justice.
Looking ahead, law enforcement is likely to evolve with technological advances and increased emphasis on accountability. In the next five years, policing is poised to incorporate more data-driven strategies, body-worn cameras, and community engagement initiatives facilitated through digital platforms. However, challenges such as maintaining privacy rights, managing new technologies, and addressing systemic biases remain. Additionally, recruiting and training officers to operate ethically and competently in a rapidly changing environment will be critical (Pogrebin & Lurigio, 2007).
The future of policing will likely involve a more collaborative relationship with the public, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and mutual respect. Effective cooperation will require active public participation through community advisory boards, social media engagement, and neighborhood policing efforts. Building trust may also involve public education about police procedures and rights, fostering community-led initiatives that address social concerns. As technology continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies must balance innovation with ethical considerations to ensure public safety while respecting civil liberties (Bradshaw & Solecki, 2019).
In conclusion, the trajectory of law enforcement points toward greater accountability and community involvement. By learning from past eras—recognizing both their strengths and weaknesses—police agencies can better adapt to the complexities of contemporary society. The ongoing challenges of misconduct and racial bias necessitate concerted efforts toward reform and community partnership. Moving forward, a balanced approach that harnesses technological innovation, promotes transparency, and fosters mutual trust will be essential in shaping the future of policing, ultimately enhancing social order and justice.
References
Bradshaw, M., & Solecki, W. (2019). Innovations in policing: Balancing technology and civil liberties. Journal of Criminal Justice, 63, 101-112.
Kappeler, V. E. (2012). The policing revolution: An overview. Police Practice & Research, 13(3), 209-231.
Pogrebin, M. R., & Lurigio, A. J. (2007). Community policing: A realist perspective. Police Quarterly, 8(4), 485-512.
Skogan, W. G. (2006). Police and Community in Chicago: A Tale of Three Cities. Oxford University Press.
Tyler, T. R., & Fagan, J. (2013). Legitimacy and cooperation: Why do people help police? In P. Duff (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook of Policing (pp. 137-150). Routledge.