Evolution of Policing & Policing Today

  • The Urbanization of American Policing

    With heavy industrialization crowed cities had rising crime rates. With that policing shifted from night watches and constables to organized uniformed police departments. Which also focused on Foot patrols, Political influence and corruption, Immigration and a focus on public order. Creatation of Policing
  • Politics & Administration in the 19th Century

    Policing back then was big on physical punishment. States also enacted laws giving many business corporations the authority to create their own private police forces. Also police departments became very political and officers were often hired through patronage systems and expected to enforce laws selectively with that corruption was widespread. There was also a lack of professionalism.
    Policing
  • Prohibition and the 1930s

    The 18th Amendment criminalized alcohol which expanded police responsibilities. Organized crime became a big thing then corruption intensified. Law Enforcement struggled with enforcing the laws which caused the FBI expand their role. The deaths of officers increased a lot. To combat organized crime, police often utilized illegal searches and violent tactics.
  • The 1940s/1950s: War, Fear of Communism, and the professional model

    Policing started to focus on professionalism, hierarchy, training, and distance themselves from politics. Technology (radios, patrol cars) were created to help increase there efficiency. The Cold War intensified surveillance and internal security efforts. Also police often enforced the Jim Crow laws.
  • The Turbulent 1960s

    Officers often attacked peaceful protesters, especially African Americans, and student demonstrators. War on Crime escalated, which lead to increased surveillance in predominantly Black neighborhoods. There was a rise in racial tension which was caused by the diversity within the police force. Also they made policing community relations programs and increased hiring of minorities
    Protests
  • The 1970s

    The focused on professionalism and aimed to eliminate political influence in hiring and implementing strict training. Police also faced intense hostility, including riots, bombings of police stations, and ambush attacks. Also commission investigations were starting to become a thing. Also was the beginning of significant, though slow, integration of women and minorities into active patrol duties.
    [Reform(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_reform_in_the_United_States)
  • From the 1980s- 9/11/2001 Attacks

    The War on Drugs was a big thing that expanded police powers and tactics. Which created more SWAT teams, mandatory minimums increased arrests, and technology advanced rapidly. Crime control dominated over community relations.
    War on Drugs
  • New Operating Environment: Post 9/11 to 2020

    9/11 transformed policing priorities toward counterterrorism and intelligence led policing. Surveillance expanded and body cameras increased transparency. High-profile police-involved deaths sparked national protests. Also the death of black men sparked riots all over America
    [Reform(https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ulj/vol32/iss4/4/)
  • Modern Day

    Modern policing operates under public scrutiny, rapid technological change, and demands for accountability and reform. Officers must balance crime control, mental health response, legitimacy, and community trust in society. Also police departments are having a shortage of officers coming in which is making there job harder because they have to work more.
    Police Shortage