Evolution Of Policing In The 21st Century

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

departments were not centralized with city control which meant different areas had different ideals and police power. Within the 19th century, numerous police departments were coming up and being established all around America.
When patrolmen were first selected, it was primarily due to political connections since the job was well paid with little job security.

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

protection”.
The reform movement of the police began at the end of the 19th century with improved conditions of centralized departments, personnel upgrade, and narrowing police functions. With this reform, drastic change was yet to be seen by the 1920’s since urban locations had no way to resources as the chief had little power. Walter reacted with reasons why this reform failed: political machines too difficult to break, officers resented reform initiatives, and policing not broken from politics. Thus brought forth the professional model were officers where experts in field, departments were autonomous, and efficient. Advancement of technology lead the way of evolution into professionalism due to efficient communication and transportation.
Finally, we see a community style policing method. This began due to officers’ inability to control crime effectively since they did not know how to deal with the complex issues faced now. Which brought a proactive way of policing to communities. The focus should be shifted from “people-processing activities” to “people-changing activities” to build rapport within the communities.
We see the evolution of policing in this chapter and the ways different policing methods effected the communities. Overall, this history helps us relate to modern day policing and find methods to reduce crime and help better our policing methods in different situations.