6.1 Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
Policing today is shaped by its history and the different roles officers play. This chapter explores how modern law enforcement has evolved, from its beginnings to the distinct roles of police officers and sheriffs today. We’ll also look at how officers make decisions and follow best practices, like using body cameras and working closely with communities to solve problems. We’ll discuss important issues in policing, such as how officers respond in forceful situations, the dangers they face, and why their well-being matters. Additionally, we’ll examine the challenges related to addressing racism and building trust within communities of color, shedding light on crucial aspects of law enforcement in contemporary society.
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, students will be able to:
- Understand the historical development of modern policing, including key milestones and changes over time.
- Differentiate between the roles and responsibilities of various law enforcement personnel, such as police officers and sheriffs, within the criminal justice system.
- Identify and explain the concept of police discretion, along with the importance of training and adherence to best practices, including the use of body-worn cameras, community policing strategies, problem-oriented policing approaches, and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within law enforcement agencies.
- Analyze the various issues and challenges inherent in police work, including misconduct, responses to forceful situations, the dangers faced by officers, line-of-duty deaths, and the importance of officer wellness.
- Evaluate the complexities of addressing racism and fostering trust within communities of color, recognizing the significance of these issues in shaping effective and equitable law enforcement practices.
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
- Fourth Amendment
- Jim Crow laws
- Law enforcement
- Mental health
- Miranda rights
- Search and seizure
- Force Response
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:
- How do you think modern policing has evolved over time, and what factors have influenced these changes?
- Can you distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of police officers and sheriffs within the criminal justice system? What similarities and differences do you perceive?
- What do you believe are some of the factors that influence police discretion in decision-making? How might training and adherence to best practices mitigate potential issues?
- What challenges do you think law enforcement officers face in their daily work, and how do you think these challenges impact their well-being and effectiveness on the job?
- In what ways do you think the issue of racism affects interactions between police officers and communities of color? How might building trust within these communities contribute to effective policing practices?
- Reflecting on what you already know about policing, what questions or areas of concern do you have that you hope to explore further in this chapter?
Licenses and Attributions for Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
“Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives” by Roxie Supplee is licensed under CC-BY 4.0.
A system of rules enforced through social institutions to govern behavior.
The criminal justice system is a major social institution that is tasked with controlling crime in various ways. It includes police, courts, and the correction system.
