University Assignment: Factors Influencing Police Force and Action

This discussion post analyzes the factors influencing police force and action, examining both internal and external influences on decision-making. The assignment considers a scenario where a patrol officer responds to a fight outside a bar, exploring how factors such as public reaction, political forces, and internal motivators impact the officer's choices, including whether to use force or make an arrest. The post also delves into the historical context, discussing how events like the Civil Rights Movement, the crack cocaine epidemic, and the 9/11 attacks have significantly impacted police departments. It highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, including economic downturns and the need for adaptability in the face of events outside their control. The assignment underscores the importance of understanding the multifaceted pressures that shape police actions and the evolution of policing in America.