2. The Goals of the Book
The purpose of this book is to provide the
necessary background information about
policing to help you, the reader, discuss
such innovative programs as community
policing, problem-oriented policing, zerotolerance policing, and team policing. The
book does not argue for or against any
one of these innovations in policing.
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3. Definition:
Law Enforcement Agency
A General Service Law Enforcement Agency:
Prevents crime
Investigates crime and apprehends criminals
Maintains order
Provides many other miscellaneous services
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4. Definition:
Police Officer and Peace Officer
A police officer is a nonmilitary person who is
employed by a government agency and has the
legal status of a peace officer.
A peace officer is a status granted to individuals
who have certain powers not available to
ordinary citizens and who provide certain legal
protections. A peace officer can be police,
probation, parole, or corrections officer.
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5. Myths About Policing
The Crime Fighter Myth
Enforce the Law
Investigate Crimes
Arrest Criminals
Perpetuating the Crime Fighter Image
Entertainment Media
News Media
Police themselves
Unreasonable jurors
CSI Effect
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6. The Realities of Policing
Complexity of the Police Role
Ambiguities
Discretion
Conflict
Studies of Police Work
The Police Service Study
Standards for Police Work
The American Bar Association
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7. American Bar Association, Standards Relating
to the Urban Police Function
Identify criminal offenders and
criminal activity and, when
appropriate, apprehend offenders
and participate in subsequent
court proceedings
Reduce the opportunities for the
commission of some crimes
through preventive patrol and
other measures
Aid individuals who are in danger
of physical harm
Protect constitutional guarantees
Facilitate the movement of people
and vehicles
Assist those who cannot care for
themselves
Identify potentially serious law
enforcement or government
problems
Create and maintain a feeling of
security in the community
Promote and preserve civil order
Provide other services on an
emergency basis
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9. Factors that shape the police role
Police are 24/7
People call and police
promise to respond
Police are generalists
Authority to use force
Police are part of the
system of social control
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10. Alternative Possibilities
Problem-Oriented Policing
Community Policing
Zero-Tolerance Policing
Honest Law Enforcement
These topics will be discussed in future
chapters.
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