European Roots of American Policing

European Roots of American Policing

• Policing in America has its roots in Europe, specifically in systems like the "Hue and Cry" (required male citizens to form groups for law enforcement) and the Frankpledge System (organized tithings into hundreds, overseen by officials evolving into constables).
• The term "Sheriff" evolved from "shire-reeve," the king's representative for a shire (county). Sheriffs were responsible for maintaining order and often were incredibly corrupt.

The Watch System

• During the 17th and 18th centuries, a "watch system" emerged—able-bodied men took turns patrolling at night.
• This system had similarities to and was modeled after the earlier "hue and cry."
• Modern community watch groups are similar to the historical "watch" systems in terms of community participation in policing.

Industrial Revolution & Policing

• The Industrial Revolution led to significant changes in society, making older policing methods less effective.
• The "gin craze" (a period of high alcohol consumption) contributed to increased social disorder.

The Metropolitan Police of London

• The Metropolitan Police of London, in the 1800s , is considered the first modern police force.
• It led to important developments in policing around the world.

Sir Robert Peel and Policing Principles

• Sir Robert Peel, "father of policing," emphasized the importance of crime prevention, effective deployment of officers, transparency and gathering reliable statistics.

Colonial American Policing

• Colonial American policing adopted the English "watch and ward" system, functioning primarily on the "hue and cry" model.
• The "hue and cry" was the primary method of gathering the community to catch criminals.

Early Police Departments and Problems

• Boston Police Department was one of the first paid public safety departments in the U.S.
• Early departments faced challenges of political influence, reliance on foot patrols, and high corruption.

Early Police Reforms

• Reforms included the introduction of police uniforms, telephone systems (1867), and the first police cars (Akron, Ohio, 1910).

August Vollmer and Modern Policing

• August Vollmer (Berkeley, California Police) is considered the "father of modern policing."
• He stressed the importance of training and education for law enforcement officers.

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

• The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), founded by J. Edgar Hoover in 1924, initially focused on combating police corruption but later expanded their priorities.
• US Secret Service and US Marshals are also federal agencies with specific responsibilities.

History of Texas Policing

• Texas policing initially involved Mexican military security, with the Texas Rangers emerging as one of the first state police organizations.
• Texas law enforcement includes agencies like the Texas State Highway Patrol (dealing with licensing and road enforcement) and the Sheriff's office (with historical roots similar to the English Shire Reeve).

Officer Education and Reform Movements

• Influential bodies such as the Wickersham Commission (the first federal assessment of law enforcement) and the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice (1967) advocated for improved officer education and training mandates.
• The National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals (conducted surveys) and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) (1999 survey) have promoted more in-depth education.

History of Municipal Law Enforcement

• Spoils Era (pre-1900s): Government employees received jobs based on political connections (corruption); however, the era saw the beginning of community policing with officers walking the beat and community engagement.
• Reform Era (1900-1940s): Officers maintained a presence and connection with the community, creating ownership and a bond. August Vollmer (1930s) shaped modern policing. Technology (cars and radios) introduced challenges, distancing officers from the community.
• Technology Era (1950-1970s): Police patrol systems became incident-driven, reactive, instead of proactive, leading to reduced community engagement.
• Community/Problem-solving Era (1980s-now): Police formed partnerships with the community.

Traditional Police Model

• Reactive, Incident-Driven, Use of Stats: Traditional policing focused on responding to calls for service.
• Community Policing: An approach that promotes police-community partnerships and problem-solving.
• Community Relations: Improving community relations to build trust and understanding.
• Problem-Solving Strategies: Eliminate, reduce, design measures to handle a problem, remove from police concerns; and utilize S.A.R.A (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment)

Differences Between Traditional and Community Policing

• Traditional policing is reactive while Community Policing is proactive.
• Community policing stresses partnership, problem-solving, and positive community relations.

Formal Police Structure vs Police Subculture

• Formal Structure: Police departments are often paramilitary with a chain of command and ranks; top-down decision making; but trends toward "participative" management.
• Police Subculture: Suspicion, solidarity, conservatism, and secrecy among officers, leading to potential problems like stress compromising community involvement.