History of American Policing

By mstathi
  • Period: to

    History - Policing

  • The English Heritage

    English legal traditions are the keystone to American Policing. They utilized constable systems as well as night watches. They helped us define our CJS in the early years by emphasizing local and community responsibility. Main Points:
    -Inspired by English common law.
    -Limited government interference
    -Local and community-based policing
    -Use of constables

  • Law Enforcement in Colonial America

    Law Enforcement in Colonial America
    Policing in Colonial America was rather informal. They relied heavily on volunteers, and some reports say slave patrols were an early form of policing. They didn't prevent much crime but rather maintained public order. Main Points:
    -More reactive to crime mitigation rather than proactive.
    -Lacked professionalism

  • The First Modern American Police

    The First Modern American Police
    As the country grew, so did the population and the need for policing. As urbanization began, crime increased. In Boston, MA, the first organized police force was created in 1838. This marked the start of modern policing, and these forces were more equipped and funded. Main Points:
    -First force established in Boston, MA
    -They had rules and regulations and were structured like the military.
    -Other cities followed suit as they grew.

  • The "Political Era" of Policing

    This era is where the major shift happened in policing. it was tied heavily in politics and there was widespread corruption. A lot of officers were appointed over connections rather than competency. Main Points:
    -Strong Political influence
    -Lacked professional standards

  • The Professional Era

    The Professional Era
    Notably, one of the strongest times in policing was due to the significant changes and progress made. Reformers like August Vollmer started the first centralized records system for police. He pushed for professionalism and helped the advancement of education for officers. Main Points:
    -Emphasis on centralized control and law enforcement.
    -An increase in standards led to the use of civil service exams.
    -Labs and other scientific principles were applied to criminal investigations.

  • The Police Crises of the 60's

    The Police Crises of the 60's
    During this time, there was deep tension between police and minority communities. Police faced scrutiny for brutality and racial profiling. The civil rights movement and other protests viewed policing as an oppressive force. This led to widespread distrust in the police, prompting a reevaluation of police practices. Main Points:
    -Riots and protests in urban communities were on the rise.
    -Police being used to suppress protests only increased the tension between the police and the community.

  • New Developments in Policing

    New Developments in Policing
    This era could be mostly credited to the rise of technology. Police saw major changes in tech, accountability, and community engagement. Some of the big changes include the rise of SWAT teams and other special police forces. There was also a big increase in community policing and data-driven approaches. Main Points:
    -Militarization of police due to increased terrorism.
    -Big shift towards accountability and transparency.
    -Push for crime prevention.

  • The National Police Crisis

    The National Police Crisis
    This crisis was triggered by high-profile police killings. This includes cases with Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Police distrust increased exponentially, especially with minority groups. This sparked movements like the "Black Lives Matter" movement. The protests and unrest changed the way and led to the push for reform. Main Points:
    -Protests, civil unrest, and activism sparked this era.
    -Police faced scrutiny for the use of force and racial disparities.

  • The Accountability Era

    The Accountability Era
    1. Use of data for deciding policing strategies. Using EBP will help choose the best solutions based on stats.
    2. Technological oversight. If we continue using body cams, it can help the public understand the reasons why officers use certain methods.
    3. Departments making reforms that require additional supervision in tracking misconduct and retraining, if needed.
    4. Heavier focus on internal affairs and is proceeding with investigations for misconduct. Focusing on violations of policy.

  • The Accountability Era

    The Accountability Era
    CONTINUED.
    1. Continued use of programs like POST certifications. This allows officers to have a minimum baseline training and standards. This creates better officers and it has a small civiilain factor that police have to get filtered through.