Introductory Criminal Justice: History of Policing (English Roots to Community Era)

History of Policing (English Roots to Community Era)

History of Policing (English Roots to Community Era)

What This Is

The history of policing in the English-speaking world spans centuries, evolving from a decentralized, community-based system to a modern, professionalized force. This concept is crucial in understanding the development of law enforcement and its impact on the criminal justice system.

Key Definitions / Models / Steps

• Night Watch System: A decentralized, community-based system where citizens took turns watching over their neighborhoods at night (London, 1663).
  • Example: Citizens were responsible for reporting crimes and maintaining order in their areas.
• Peel's Police: Sir Robert Peel established the first professional police force in London, emphasizing community policing and the "bobbies on the beat" concept (London, 1829).
  • Example: Peel's police focused on preventing crime through community engagement and visibility.
• Broken Windows Theory: James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling's theory posits that addressing minor crimes can prevent more serious ones (1982).
  • Example: Focusing on disorderly conduct and vandalism can prevent more serious crimes from occurring.
• Community Policing: A policing approach that emphasizes building relationships between law enforcement and the community (1970s).
  • Example: Community policing involves officers working closely with residents to address local issues and build trust.
• Zero-Tolerance Policy: A policing approach that emphasizes strict enforcement of laws and regulations (1990s).
  • Example: Zero-tolerance policies often result in increased arrests and fines for minor offenses.
• Racial Profiling: The practice of targeting individuals based on their race or ethnicity (e.g., Terry v. Ohio, 1968).
  • Example: Racial profiling can lead to biased policing and erosion of community trust.
• Punitive vs. Rehabilitative Approach: A distinction between focusing on punishment versus rehabilitation in the criminal justice system (e.g., Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963).
  • Example: A rehabilitative approach emphasizes treatment and reintegration into society, while a punitive approach focuses on punishment and deterrence.
• Police Militarization: The increasing use of military equipment and tactics by law enforcement (e.g., Heckler v. Cade, 1985).
  • Example: Police militarization can lead to increased tensions between law enforcement and the community.
• De-escalation Techniques: Methods used by law enforcement to reduce tensions and prevent violence (e.g., Graham v. Connor, 1989).
  • Example: De-escalation techniques involve officers using verbal and non-verbal cues to calm situations.

Practical Application

In a scenario where a police officer is responding to a domestic disturbance, they must apply community policing principles to de-escalate the situation. The officer would engage with the parties involved, listen to their concerns, and work to find a resolution that addresses the underlying issues. This approach emphasizes building trust and relationships with the community, rather than simply enforcing laws and regulations.

Common Misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: The Night Watch System was a centralized, professionalized police force.
• Correction: The Night Watch System was a decentralized, community-based system where citizens took turns watching over their neighborhoods.
• Misunderstanding: Community policing is a new approach that emerged in the 1990s.
• Correction: Community policing emerged in the 1970s as a response to concerns about police-community relations.
• Misunderstanding: The Broken Windows Theory is a criticism of zero-tolerance policing.
• Correction: The Broken Windows Theory is a separate approach that emphasizes addressing minor crimes to prevent more serious ones.
• Misunderstanding: Racial profiling is a recent issue that only affects minority communities.
• Correction: Racial profiling has been a persistent issue throughout the history of policing, affecting communities of color and other marginalized groups.

Exam Tips

• ⚠️ Key Supreme Court rulings: Terry v. Ohio (1968), Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), Graham v. Connor (1989)
• High-yield items: Community policing, Broken Windows Theory, racial profiling, police militarization, de-escalation techniques
• Frequently confused terms: Punitive vs. rehabilitative approach, zero-tolerance policy vs. Broken Windows Theory
• Measurement differences: Quantitative vs. qualitative research methods in policing studies

Quick Recap

• Night Watch System: decentralized, community-based system (London, 1663)
• Peel's Police: first professional police force (London, 1829)
• Broken Windows Theory: addressing minor crimes to prevent more serious ones (1982)
• Community Policing: building relationships between law enforcement and the community (1970s)
• Racial Profiling: targeting individuals based on their race or ethnicity (e.g., Terry v. Ohio, 1968)
• Punitive vs. Rehabilitative Approach: distinction between focusing on punishment versus rehabilitation (e.g., Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963)
• Police Militarization: increasing use of military equipment and tactics by law enforcement (e.g., Heckler v. Cade, 1985)
• De-escalation Techniques: methods used by law enforcement to reduce tensions and prevent violence (e.g., Graham v. Connor, 1989)