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Police forces were established in growing cities to replace volunteer night watches. https://www.denvertaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/the_history_of_policing_in_the_united_states.pdf
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Corrupt political machines controlled police departments. https://www.britannica.com/topic/police/English-and-American-policing-in-the-late-19th-century
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Organized crime increased, police corruption worsened https://clecpc.org/100-years-project/1920s-1930s/
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Police focused on professional training and efficiency. https://clecpc.org/100-years-project/1920s-1930s/
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Civil rights protests led to conflicts between police and communities. https://policing.umhistorylabs.lsa.umich.edu/s/detroitunderfire/page/1958-63
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Community policing began; War on Drugs created new challenges https://www.britannica.com/topic/war-on-drugs
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Militarization of police, new technology, and "broken windows" policing. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240954402_The_fourth_era_of_policing_Homeland_security
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Counterterrorism and body cameras became major focuses. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/232791.pdf
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Focus on police accountability, AI, and social media transparency. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/251140.pdf
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Five Factors Defining the Current Era
Technology Surveillance – The rise of AI, facial recognition, and body cams has transformed police work.
Police Reform Movements – Public demands for accountability have led to new policies.
Social Media Impact – Viral videos of police encounters shape public opinion.
Shifts in Crime Trends – Cybercrime and domestic terrorism have become major concerns.
Legislation Policy Changes – New laws focus on training, de-escalation, and oversight.