History of Law Enforcement

Sample Solution

     

1. The early English policing system that led to modern U.S. policing is the watch-and-ward system. This system was based on the idea that all citizens had a responsibility to help keep their communities safe. Under the watch-and-ward system, able-bodied men were required to take turns patrolling their neighborhoods at night. They were responsible for looking for suspicious activity and reporting it to the authorities.

The watch-and-ward system was not very effective at preventing crime, but it did provide a foundation for the development of modern policing. In the early 19th century, the first professional police forces were established in England. These police forces were based on the model of the watch-and-ward system, but they were more organized and disciplined.

Full Answer Section

     

2. The Metropolitan Police Act of 1829 was a landmark piece of legislation that established the Metropolitan Police Force, the first modern police force in the world. The act was passed in response to a growing concern about crime in London.

The Metropolitan Police Act had a significant impact on professional policing. It established the principles of centralized control, professional training, and public accountability. The act also created a new type of police officer who was paid a salary and wore a uniform. The Metropolitan Police Act was a major turning point in the development of modern policing. It served as a model for other police forces around the world, including the United States.

3. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was a federal law that established a merit system for hiring government employees. The act was passed in response to the widespread corruption and patronage that was prevalent in the civil service at the time.

The Pendleton Act had a significant impact on law enforcement by requiring that police officers be hired and promoted based on their qualifications, rather than their political connections. This helped to improve the professionalism of police forces across the country.

4. The September 11, 2001, attacks had a profound impact on the law enforcement community. The attacks led to a shift in the focus of law enforcement from crime fighting to terrorism prevention.

In the years since 9/11, law enforcement agencies have become more focused on intelligence gathering and counterterrorism. They have also developed new technologies and strategies to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks.

5. James Q. Wilson, a political scientist and criminologist, developed a three-part typology of policing styles: legalistic, watchman, and service.

• Legalistic policing focuses on enforcing the law strictly and impartially. Legalistic police officers are primarily concerned with upholding the law and order.
• Watchman policing focuses on maintaining a visible presence in the community and preventing crime. Watchman police officers are more focused on community relations and problem-solving.
• Service policing focuses on providing services to the community and addressing the root causes of crime. Service police officers are more focused on social work and community development.

Wilson's typology has been influential in shaping the way that police departments in the United States operate. Many police departments now use a hybrid approach that combines elements of all three policing styles. Conclusion The early English policing system, the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, the September 11, 2001, attacks, and Wilson's three styles of policing have all had a significant impact on the development of modern U.S. policing. These events and developments have helped to shape the mission, structure, and practices of law enforcement in the United States.