Law Enforcement Today Chapter 5

Families banded together for protection Tithings were formed (10 families) Ten tithings banded together to form a hundred supervised by the reeve (later replaced by the constable.) Hundreds banded together to form shires supervised by the shire reeve Early English Police: The Tithing System

Employed watchmen to protect property against fire and robbery Justice of the peace (replaced the shire reeve in 1326) established and given judicial duties Constables served as assistants to justices of the peace The Watch System: 13th Century

Industrial revolution takes place and crime dramatically increases In 1829, the Metropolitan Police Act (MPA) is passed in Parliament while Sir Robert Peel is home secretary The MPA creates the first organized police force of over 1,000 men 18th Century English Policing

Police were incompetent, disliked and corrupt Primary functions were to: Serve as enforcement powers for reigning political powers Protect private property Control the rising number of foreign immigrants 19th Century American Policing

A style of policing advocated by August Vollmer and O.W. Wilson that emphasizes: Centralized police organizations Increased use of technology Limitation of police discretion through regulations and guidelines Professional Model of Policing

The 1960s was one of the most turbulent decades in American history. The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders stated that poor relations between the police and African American communities were partly to blame for the violence that plagued many American communities. Turmoil in the 1960s

Emphasis on good police-community relationships Federal assistance to local and state agencies to fight the war on crime Recruitment and promotion of women and minorities increased Policing in the 1970s

Have majority of personnel NYPD is largest Large & small departments have same functions Average cost per officer per year is estimated at about $63,000 Municipal Police

Though difficult to count, reliable data indicates there are: Over 13,500 law enforcement agencies employing over 950,000 people. 3,088 sheriffs’ departments. 1,332 special police agencies limited to policing places like parks, schools and airports. 49 state police departments, with Hawaii being the one exception. 50 federal law enforcement agencies Law Enforcement Agencies

The County Sheriff’s Department Responsible for: Law enforcement Local corrections (jail) Civil law authority Court-related duties County Law Enforcement

Texas Rangers was one of the first state agencies formed Responsible for: Highway safety Law enforcement in various areas Technical support to other agencies State Police Agencies

Numerous agencies, found in a variety of departments of federal government No single agency has unlimited jurisdiction Most agencies have primarily investigative functions Specific laws determine function of each agency Federal Law Enforcement

A new, cabinet level department established in the wake of 9/11 Combines twenty-two existing federal agencies Will change the nature of federal law enforcement Department of Homeland Security

Lack of employment standards Quality of many people employed Minimal training (Ex: Atascocita Walmart) Poor pay Problems with Private Security

Why has the private security business grown?

Enforce the law Provide services Prevent Crime Preserve the peace What Police Do?

The courts have recognized that a patrol officer is in a unique position to be allowed discretionary powers: Police are considered trustworthy and are assumed to make the right decisions. Experience and training give officers te ability to use their discretion to make the proper decisions. Due to the nature of their jobs, police are extremely knowledgeable in human, and by extension criminal, behavior. Police may find themselves in danger of personal physical harm and must be allowed to take reasonable and necessary steps to protect themselves. Police Discretion

Decentralization of some police services and increased sensitivity to community needs Increase use of civilians in various positions New kinds of laws to enforce and new crimes to investigate The Changing Role of Police