Evolution Of Policing In The 21st Century

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A look back on the beginning on policing in America can give us insight to modern day issues within policing since majority of our issues and ideas are not new and have existed since the beginning of policing. Evolution of policing within America is based on prior events that shaped the way we police in modern day. All ideas and issues are traced back to an earlier time in our history which helps us better understand issues and ideas of modern day better. From the roots of modern policing, we started with similar ideas as the English policing system in the colonies with a sheriff, constable and a town watch. Eventually, America found issues with this system as England did and had to evolve to withstand populations, civil disorders, and increase of crime. Tensions rose due to growth of immigrants competing for jobs against Native Americans. Thus, become the “Year of Riots” in 1834 which brought larger cities to accept and establish a new London-style police department which took many years due to the process of city and state legislature. Preventive patrol was the number one idea America took from London since it was found police presence does effect individuals’ behaviors. However, the …show more content…

The job was tough since most endured all weather for 2-6 hours walking to patrol their area with another 6 hours spent at the station. At this time, technology was underdeveloped which meant leaving the station for patrol without a form of communication or supervision. With this new policing method, crime drastically declined since the switch to controlling criminal behaviors. Nevertheless, police officers and corruption began with this new era since little to no supervision was given to an officer patrolling on duty. Many officers allowed individuals to continue committing illegal acts for a small price considered “police

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