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Law Enforcement in Colonial America (1600s – 1700s)
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he First Modern American Police (1830s – 1840s)
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The “Political Era” in American Policing (1830s – 1900)
Key Features:
Police were heavily influenced by local politics. Officers were often hired through patronage rather than on merit. This results in corruption, a lack of professional standards, and inconsistent enforcement. -
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The Professional Era (1900 – 1960)
During this period, there was a greater emphasis on reform and professionalism. A prominent figure, August Vollmer, emerged, spearheading the implementation of training, uniforms, and hierarchal structures. -
The Police Crises of the 1960s
Increased tensions during this period sparked riots and civil unrest. The Civil Rights Movement brought attention to episodes of police brutality and demands for reform. image credit:
https://origins.osu.edu/article/policing-police-civil-rights-story -
New Developments in Policing (1970 – Present)
Policing underwent several waves of reform and innovation. Community policing became a central philosophy, emphasizing partnerships between police and the public, problem-solving, and proactive strategies to reduce crime and build trust. https://youtu.be/3eWpoYUd4xA?si=m1svGVkxD05kYq5M -
The National Police Crisis (2014 – Present
High-profile incidents involving police violence, including the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, increased tension and brought nationwide criticism to law enforcement. These events led to widespread protests, global attention, and demands for justice and systemic change. image credit: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/13/ferguson-protests-hands-up/14010683/ -
Future Era: The "Equity & Innovation Era" (2025 – Beyond)
This new era of policing is a promise for the future. Police departments across the nation are looking to advance technologies, increase transparency, and build trust with the public. Departments across the country have implemented crisis intervention for mental health-related incidents, as well as de-escalation training for officers. https://youtu.be/O1Pf4Plc-o4?si=kBezSQqHEJcjJPc7 image credit: https://tacticalgear.com/experts/law-enforcement-guide-to-de-escalation-techniques
