History of Policing in America

Running head: HISTORY OF POLICING IN AMERICA 1
History of Policing in America
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HISTORY OF POLICING IN AMERICA 2
Introduction
Policing development in the United States closely followed policing development in
England. During colonies of the early days, there was two forms of policing. It involved both the
communal and informal forms of policing. It was commonly known as the watch or private for
profit policing also referred to as ”The Big Stick.”
History of Policing in America
To be precise, Policing in America was outlined by outstanding features. They ranged
from population, the bigger span of uncharted western territory and how wealth the population in
a certain territory was. The key factor that was put into consideration for policing was the
frontier since it was not settled and was kind of wild (Andreas, 2012). Initiation of law and order
was done by groups of vigilante and the citizen posse.
Larger cities are the ones that experienced structured law enforcement. In these cities
policing could be likened to the British model. It copied the structures of paramilitary
organizations, police officers in uniforms, and greater focus on crime prevention (Walker, 2010).
Eventually, following the societal technological and cultural changes there was creation of equal
alterations within policing in America.
Impact of Probation Era on the Development of American Policing
Lawful precedents established during the time of probation have remained, resulting in
betterment of search-and-seizure law. This has overcame limits on police application of force,
identification protocols for eye witness and interrogation practices (Andreas, 2012). An illegal
search in the trunk is hence protected much more than wrongful conviction or unnecessary
shooting.