Intro to Criminal Justice: Chapter 4 Flashcards

Frankpledge System and Its Components

• Frankpledge replaced the borh system, grouping boys and men aged 12+ from 10 households into tythings for mutual policing.
• Tythings served as units within the frankpledge system, promoting community responsibility for law enforcement.
• A hundred, consisting of ten tythings, was overseen by a leader known as a hundredman.

Early Law Enforcement Structures

• Shire reeves were precursors to modern sheriffs, carrying out law enforcement functions in early England.
• Thief takers were hired by victims to capture criminals, functioning as precursors to bounty hunters.

Modern Policing Foundations

• The Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, introduced by Sir Robert Peel, established London’s police force, marking the start of modern public policing.
• Officers in Britain are nicknamed "Peelers" in honor of Sir Robert Peel, the Father of Modern Policing.

Historical Policing Practices

• Slave Patrols, originating in 1704 South Carolina, regulated slave behavior and pursued escaped slaves using small groups of white men.
• Vigilantes were self-appointed justice distributors in 1765, acting outside formal legal systems.

Development of Police Forces

• Boston established the first detective division in 1851.
• Philadelphia established the first formal police department in 1855.

Policing Methods and Practices

• The "third degree" was a brutal interrogation method employed by police to extract information from suspects.
• August Vollmer is recognized as the father of modern American policing for his contributions to police reform.

Jurisdictions and Voting Rights

• Covered jurisdictions refer to areas required to submit voting changes to the U.S. Department of Justice due to historical discrimination against minorities.

Legislative Framework

• The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 aimed to reduce crime and enhance law enforcement effectiveness and fairness across all government levels.

Police Work and Community Interaction

• Wilmington Police Department officers reportedly spend approximately half of their time enforcing laws, with the other half dedicated to community service.

Corruption and Recruitment Practices

• The patronage system involves political parties hiring and promoting police officers in exchange for job-related favors.
• Recruitment in law enforcement involves developing a qualified applicant pool for new positions.

Education and Training Requirements

• Only 10% of local police departments mandate at least a two-year college degree as a minimum educational requirement.
• Newly hired officers undergo a probationary period, allowing for termination without cause during the initial phase of employment.

Training Components

• Field training is when recruits are stationed on the beat under the guidance of experienced officers, moving beyond classroom learning.
• Affirmative action policies aim to promote hiring from groups historically discriminated against, such as women and minorities.

Responses to Discrimination

• Courts may impose a consent decree on law enforcement agencies found to discriminate, requiring them to meet specific hiring goals for women and minorities, with penalties for non-compliance.