What were some of the major characteristics of the political and reform eras of policing? How did they square with the earlier principles of policing as set forth by Sir Robert Peel?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The political era of policing in the U.S. ran from the 1840s to the 1930s. Some of the main characteristics of this era included authority that was derived from politics and the law, a function that encompassed broad social services, a decentralized organizational design, and an intimate relationship to the community. This did not fully meet the guidelines or principles of policing as set forth by Peel. Peel emphasized the need to preserve public favor by demonstrating impartial service to the law, not by pandering to public opinion, which became necessary in a department that owed its authority and legitimacy to political favoritism. Peel also emphasized impartiality, rather than an intimate relationship with the public. Finally, Peel held that the function of policing was to prevent crime and disorder, not to provide broad social services to the community.

During the reform era, which ran from the 1930s to the 1980s, some of the main characteristics of policing included authority derived from law and professionalism, a focus on crime control as the primary function of police, a centralized and classic organizational design, and a professional and remote relationship with the community. These characteristics more closely meet the criteria set forth by Peel.