Officer Joanna has newly graduated from the police academy and has a real passion for her work. During her day shift, she likes to position her patrol car behind some oak trees near a shopping mall that has a "stop" sign positioned right before entry onto a side road. She also enjoys pulling over every car that doesn't come to an absolute stop before proceeding onto the side road. During the evening shift, Officer Joanna responds properly to disturbances of the peace and domestics. She has a very business-like approach, preferring to arrest rather than "counsel" citizens about their actions. She is willing to testify at court and "let the judge sort it out." On the midnight shift, she patrols developments and conducts business checks carefully, looking for any open or unlocked doors that

Question

might lead to a crime in progress. What operational style of police work would she fall under? What are the advantages and disadvantages of her using this style?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary, but students should identify a legalistic style under James Q. Wilson, enforcer under John Broderick and enforcer under Muir's styles. They should address the citizen perception of this style in possibly generating negative as well as positive perceptions of the police.