Traditional Policing

Law enforcement has played a part in American society since the beginning of time. Although it has changed over the course of history, some of the earliest established offices still exist today. America’s first known system of law enforcement originated in Boston more than 350 years ago. Almost as soon as settlers landed on the shores of the “New World”, a system of policing was put into place. This system was structured after the English system and included positions such as constables, watchmen, and sheriffs. As society progressed, so did the system of law enforcement. Law enforcement has grown into a well-honed system that incorporates technology and problem solving strategies into daily operations. Initially, the

As modern police executives search for more effective strategies of policing, it becomes increasingly apparent that looking to history, although beneficial, is difficult. Police agencies of the past kept very few records and what records were kept are very sketchy. One thing however, that is evident, is that traditional policing placed great importance on the number of arrests made and how fast officers respond to citizens’ calls. In addition this particular strategy did not involve cooperation between the police and the citizens. Richard Adams described it best when he stated, “traditional policing tends to stress the role of police officers in controlling crime and views the citizens’ role in the apprehension of criminals as minor players at best and as part of the problem at worst.” (Overview) Today’s police officers are better trained and better equipped. Do some of the same problems that were faced in the past still exist? Of course they do! Can these problems be remedied? Sure they can. We may not be able to completely obliterate the problems, but we can continue to improve things so that the problems don’t seem so monumental. Improvements are being made every day; improvements that make policing easier and more efficient. When the community and police officers work together, our cities become better, safer places to