Discuss the evolution of American policing

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The current state of policing within the United States is a product of developments that have taken place in the last two centuries. Yet some might say that the concept of policing has returned to its roots in that there is still a recognition that all members of a community are responsible for welfare and safety within an environment. The text notes that American policing was strongly influenced by England. For example, a young English parliamentarian by the name of Robert Peel was influential in bringing about the Metropolitan Police Act. This mission of the Metropolitan police was crime prevention. Peel's philosophy about effective policing is still applicable in this country. In addition, the Metropolitan Act had an influence on the formation of police departments in large northern American cities in the first half of the nineteenth century. Unfortunately, early American police departments were characterized by much corruption. Even when reform attempts were made during the latter half of the nineteenth century, they too often were ineffective demonstrating that important changes needed to be made in American policing. In the twentieth century, however, there were some bright spots regarding American policing as evidenced by the presence of prominent police administrators such as August Vollmer and Orlando Wilson. Although the twentieth century did result in challenges for the police especially during the turbulent 1960s, new reformers were to continue to be found such as Patrick Murphy. During the latter part of the twentieth century American police departments also had additional improvements such as an attempt to bring the police into more contact with citizens in a community which would benefit both. We also see during this time an attempt to bring about a police department which is more representative of the community. Today service to the public through community awareness and crime prevention is in the vogue.