A Comprehensive Analysis of the Evolution of the U.S. Police System

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the U.S. police system. It begins by outlining the historical development, including the political, professional, and community policing eras. The report then examines key events and their impact, such as police brutality and the Rodney King case, along with the decentralization of police jurisdictions. It also analyzes the present nature and structure of the U.S. police system, emphasizing bureaucratization and the quasi-military structure. Furthermore, the report delves into the 'broken window' theory, its impact on the U.S. police system, and its current relevance. Finally, it describes the recruitment and training process for police officers, including pre-employment screening, assessment center training, interviews, and background investigations. The report concludes by referencing relevant academic sources.

EVOLUTION OF U.S.
POLICE SYSTEM
-A journey of inspiration and
courage

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF U.S POLICE SYSTEM:
• The law enforcement of US primarily operates through the governmental police
agencies
• There are almost 117,985 U.S. Police agencies divided into various departments
and ranks
• The basic functions of these departments include: Order maintenance, law
enforcement, and ensuring justice and peace in the society (Goldfield & Goldfield,
2014)

CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE
JOURNEY
 Development of industrial cities in the United Nations during the 1920’s marked the very
establishment of the police system n the nation. Came to be known as the POLITICAL
ERA
 The end of political ear marked the initiation of the PROFESSIONAL ERA, which was
during the 1970’s. In this phase the police system became much more proper, just and
stronger than before
 The next was the emergence of COMMUNITY POLIING ERA , which started in the late
90’s and continues till date. This era witnessed the police to work in lose collaboration with
the community to bring in social welfare and lawfulness

EVENTS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE POLICE SYSTEM
• Police brutality became a major issue of concern that impacted the integrity of the very
profession in U.S
• U.S did witness a gradual rise of other governmental agencies apart from the police
departments and the district attorneys which had the power to investigate and look into the
criminal matters.
• Most significant example is the Rodney Ling case
• Frequent immigration and migration during the 19th century in US created unnecessary
complication for the police officials which was beyond their control
• decentralization of police jurisdictions

PRESENT NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF U.S
POLICE SYSTEM
• 21st century marked the birth of police professionalism
• Today’s U.S Police department and its functioning is a strong example of bureaucracy
• The country believes on the notion that bureaucratization maximizes the impact of
efficiency
• The U.S police Departments show strong presence of a quasi-military structure as well
• Presence of varied ranks in the U.S Police system , which includes: federal, state, local
police and sheriff's department.

“BROKEN WINDOW” ARTICLE ANALYSIS
• The theory was first proposed in an article in 1982 by social scientists James Q. Wilson
and George L. Kelling (Caudill, et al. 2013)
• The main aim was to address visible minor crimes like vandalism or public drinking to
create a more lawful and civilized atmosphere in the society
• The name of this article specifically hinted that small broken windows in the society
which necessarily suggested these crimes should be addressed in the most prompt
manner when its small in nature to prevent bigger crimes
• The theory received enough attention from varied social critics because of its impact on
the overall policing system of U.S

“BROKEN WINDOW” – IMPACT ON U.S POLICE SYSTEM
• Faced severe criticism as impacted quite negatively on the US police system
• Increased number of Africa-American deaths in the hands of white police officers
• Present relevance of the broken window policing policy seems absolutely lost
• The current Police system of U.S require to align the community goals and desires along
with the broken window policing policies to stand desirable in the society

RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING PROCESS
• Pre-employment screening: Done through Online questioner
• Then the applicants are sent to attend a two day Assessment Centre training
• The Assessment center conducts Orientation Session, followed by a written exam and a physical
readiness test (PRT)
• A pre-employment interview is also included in the whole recruitment process
• The interview is followed by a Gauntlet phase
• Then comes a Behavioral based interview session
• Finally the candidates who quality all theses stages are sent for a background investigation and then
called onboard to join.

REFERENCES
• Caudill, J. W., Getty, R., Smith, R., Patten, R., & Trulson, C. R. (2013). Discouraging
window breakers: The lagged effects of police activity on crime. Journal of Criminal
Justice, 41(1), 18-23.
• Cooper, H. L. (2015). War on drugs policing and police brutality. Substance use & misuse,
50(8-9), 1188-1194.
• Goldfield, D. R., & Goldfield, D. R. (2014). The American journey: A history of the United
States. Pearson.
• Hall, A. R., & Coyne, C. J. (2013). The militarization of US domestic policing. The
Independent Review, 17(4), 485-504.
• Singh, N. P. (2014). The whiteness of police. American Quarterly, 66(4), 1091-1099.

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