Module 1 Questions
Please answer the following questions based on the readings and lectures in module 1. The Assignment is worth 50 points (10 points for each question).
Make sure to answer each question completely, and in full sentences. You are required to cite the textbook and other course materials that you find relevant. The formatting is as follows: 12-point Time New Roman Font, double spaced with 1 inch margins all around, citations in APA format.
The content of your writing should be at a minimum one and a half to two full pages of writing (excluding the reference page). Please do not write in the first person and do not repeat the questions in your respond page.
Do police spend most of their time catching criminals and fighting crime? About what percentage of their time is devoted to crime fighting? Explain what police do with the rest of their time. Use examples to illustrate at least three non-crime related activities.
Explain five key differences between early American police and the London police.
Discuss two factors that led to changes in American policing during the 20th century. Make sure to describe how they changed policing.
The police professionalization movement, led by August Vollmer, was focused on an important series of reforms. Identify and explain five of those reforms.
What does it mean for the police to be legitimate? What is procedural justice and how can it help the police achieve legitimacy?
Module 1 Questions
#1
The police do not spend their entire time in catching criminals and responding to crime per their obligations. According to the report by the US department of justice, police officers encounter several types of crimes, but they end up arresting few criminals. The average arrest made by each police officer in 2011 was 14, which is far less as compared to the number of criminal activities reported (Reaves & Hart, 2012). Several studies have shown that 10% of the time is spent on law enforcement, 30% for order maintenance, and 22% in the information gathering. On the other and, 13% of the time is spent on administrative matters, 9% on personal issues, 7% for providing information to the public. Police non-criminal activities include the collection and analysis of data such as age and gender. Attending community meetings, for example, related to developments. Administrative functions, such as federal, state, or local police.
#2
In London, the parish separated the watchmen into watches or patrols (Clark, 1965). The services were initially unpaid, but later, parishes obtained the act of parliament for payment. In America, the watches were established in the local regions, and the policing was the creation of slave patrol in the south
In London, the police lost public support as a result of selling felons, and police led to increasing in monarchy while in America, the police lacked a central police authority and gained support from local leaders and politicians.
In America, the bureaucracy was a method of standardizing police work while in London, the rules and regulations were strictly followed and enforced.
The police in London used the act of parliament to initiate the changes that were not fit for the public while in America, the police involved the public in finding solutions and the enforcement was done after the support.
In London, the reforms were introduced that increased the number of women to serve as constables while in America, the number of women was far less, especially during World War I and II.
#3
Professionalization was a factor driven by the police officers who held senior positions. The policing method was changed through work distribution and efficient management of personnel.
Technology is another factor that influenced policing, especially in the mid-20th century. For instance, the use of the telephone allowed the citizens to have direct contact with the police. The technology led to a reduction of response time to calls for service from citizens.
#4
Organizational changes: The changes were done within the department of the police that improved the service delivery such as positioning officers in different ranks (Law.jrank.org, 2020)
Introduction of scientific principles: The scientific principles were applied in investigation and other methods of forensic analysis.
Distribution of the workload: The workload was distributed among all police officers to reduce the burden of long working hours.
Measurement of success: The mechanisms for measuring success were initiated by monitoring variables such as the number of arrests.
Education reforms: The police officers were encouraged to pursue higher education as a means of advancing the skills.
#5
The police are considered legitimate if they treat people with dignity and respect, making fair decisions based on facts, involving the people, and winning the confidence of the community.
Procedural justice defines the establishment of policies and how the decisions are made (REYNOLDS, 2015). It is based on a fair and respectful decision to be made. The procedural justice incorporates the principles that increase public trust and confidence in the police. It contributes to the strengthening of the police legitimacy and community leaders and organizers.
References
Clark, J. P. (1965). Isolation of the police: A comparison of the British and American situations. J. Crim. L. Criminology & Police Sci., 56, 307.
Law.jrank.org. (2020). Police: History – Policing Twentieth-century America—the Reform Era. Retrieved from https://law.jrank.org/pages/1643/Police-History-Policing-twentieth-century-America-reform-era.html
Reaves, B. A., & Hart, T. C. (2012). Federal law enforcement officers, 2008. BiblioGov. https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/fleo08.pdf
REYNOLDS, J. (2015). Procedural justice and police legitimacy: using training as a foundation for strengthening community-police relationships. California Partnership for Safe Communities. Available at: https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/bwc/pdfs/procedural-justice-and-police-legitimacy-paper-cpsc-feb-2015.pdf
