6.1 Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
In this chapter, we will focus on policing in the U.S., diving into the historical development and the inequities that impacted communities of color while looking at its current role. Then we will discuss current issues facing policing and the communities they serve, diving further into police misconduct, corruption and accountability. Finally we will investigate possible Crime Prevention Science solutions which could be implemented in policing and learn more about the role of a police officer and a victim advocate.
6.1.1 Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical development of policing in the U.S. and the impacts on communities of color.
- Outline the current role of policing in the U.S.
- Identify how Police Misconduct, Corruption, and Accountability impact police agencies and the communities they serve.
- Interpret the impact of current issues on policing and the communities they serve.
- Investigate police support for Crime Prevention Science (CPSc) Solutions.
6.1.2 Key Terms
Below are some of the most important key terms and phrases used in this chapter. You should review and become familiar with these terms before reading this chapter:
- Accountability
- Community-oriented policing
- Controlled substances
- Fourth Amendment
- Jim Crow laws
- Law enforcement
- Mental health
- Miranda rights
- Search and seizure
- Use of force
6.1.3 Critical Thinking Questions
Take a few minutes and reflect on these questions before you read the chapter to assess what you already know. Then, after reading the chapter, return to these questions to gauge how much you’ve learned:
- Why is the history of policing important to understand?
- What about kin policing made it not a good form of policing?
- What are the four eras of policing?
- How was the Homeland Security Era established?
- Why was Sir Robert Peel important to policing?
- What did August Vollmer believe police should be doing?
- How were police officers involved in enforcing Jim Crow laws?
6.1.4 Licenses and Attributions for Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
“Chapter Overview” by Megan Gonzalez is adapted from “6: Policing” by Tiffany Morey in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Edited for style, consistency, recency, and brevity; added DEI content.