Modern Day Policing and Society: Where Are We Headed?

Assignment 1: Modern Day Policing and
Society: Where Are We Headed?

Table of Contents
Answer 1....................................................................................................................................3
Answer 2....................................................................................................................................4
Answer 3....................................................................................................................................5
Answer 4....................................................................................................................................6
References..................................................................................................................................6

Answer 1
American policing has been progressing and continues to establish the balance between
protection of rights of the society assured by the Constitution as well as maintaining law and
order. However, there are three recognized eras of American policing, two have been
discussed here.
The Political Era (1840-1930) - During this era, the main function of the law enforcement
was to provide variety of social services to the community. Decentralization of police
department developed intimate relationship of police with the community. Police officers
used to establish and develop relationships with citizens. It used to be the responsibility of the
police officers to serve the community and meet the requirements of local political leaders.
Policing used to be highly corrupt during this period. The brutality of the police officers and
forced confessions from suspects ruled over their duties during this era. The prohibition gave
rise to organized crime which caused extensive police corruption (Bond, 2016).
Strengths - Variety of social services to the community, decentralization of police
department, intimate relationship of police with the community.
Weaknesses - Highly corrupt police department, brutality of the police officers, forced
confessions from suspects, rise of organized crime.
The Reform Era (1930-1980) - The Wickersham Commission prepared a report on the US
criminal justice system which led to the creation of reform era of American policing. During
this era, a crime control model came into existence and police department became
centralized. The relationship between police and community became professional. With the
technological development, patrolling in police vehicles and 911 emergency number reduced
response times of police for providing services. Due to deterioration of police relationship
with the community, people started mistrusting the local police department. Police were
viewed as aggressive and harassing community instead of being community protectors. By