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American policing is rooted in English law enforcement systems like the constable, the sheriff, and the night watch. These roles were community-focused and emphasized local responsibility. The decentralized model continues to influence modern U.S. policing. Links: https://www.britannica.com/topic/police/The-development-of-professional-policing-in-England https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P48YT61zII&t=3217 -
Policing in colonial America was largely informal, relying on citizens to take part in law enforcement duties. The North used the constable-watch system, while the South was dominated by sheriffs who often handled both civil and criminal matters.
Links: https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/criminal-justice/development-of-the-american-police/policing-colonial-america
https://www.britannica.com/topic/police/Early-police-in-the-United-States -
During this period, police forces became extensions of political machines. Officers were often hired based on political connections, leading to widespread corruption and limited public accountability. Links: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/evolving-strategy-policing https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/114213.pdf -
Boston created the first modern police force on May 26, 1838. Other cities soon followed by establishing uniformed, paid police forces. These departments introduced structure but were heavily influenced by politics. Links: https://www.communitypolicing.com/history-of-policing
https://faculty.uml.edu/jyurcak/44.141/documents/2-TheHistoryoftheAmericanPolice.pdf
https://www.boston.gov/departments/police/brief-history-boston-police -
Reformers like August Vollmer emphasized education, training, and independence from politics. This era aimed to professionalize policing but often distanced officers from the communities they served.
Link:
https://openwa.pressbooks.pub/crimjust1/chapter/wa6-4/ -
Civil unrest, racial tensions, and anti-war protests challenged police legitimacy. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and related protests highlighted police brutality, prompting public outcry and federal responses.
Links:
https://law.jrank.org/pages/1644/Police-History-police-citizen-crisis-1960s.html https://www.britannica.com/topic/police-brutality-in-the-United-States-2064580 -
Community policing, CompStat, and data-driven strategies emerged to improve effectiveness and accountability. Departments began using more technology to fight crime and build public trust.
Links:
https://www.openfox.com/the-evolution-and-history-of-law-enforcement-technology/
https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/a-new-era-of-american-policing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRqohG_pq0M -
The police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, ignited national outrage. This era marks a turning point, defined by public demand for police reform, transparency, and justice.
Links:
https://www.wakeforestlawreview.com/2014/09/the-coming-crisis-in-law-enforcement-and-how-federal-intervention-could-promote-police-accountability-in-a-post-ferguson-united-states/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IgNAFuM-n0 -
The future of policing centers on collaboration, transparency, mental health response, and evidence-based practices. Officers work with communities and specialists to solve problems holistically and equitably.
Links:
https://www.soundthinking.com/blog/the-importance-of-law-enforcement-collaboration
https://www.interpol.int/How-we-work/Innovation/Future-of-policing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk4f4GtwMVU