Chapter Four - Policing

What is the primary function of policing?

Maintaining and reproducing social order.

How do informal acts of policing occur?

By expressing social disapproval or telling someone their behavior is inappropriate.

What distinguishes public police from informal policing?

Public police have the authority to use coercive force and detain suspects.

What are the four major functions of police?

Community patrol, criminal investigation and prosecution, order maintenance, and social service.

What is the functionalist perspective on policing?

It views policing as a reflection of societal consensus on norms and values.

What does the conflict perspective suggest about policing?

It views policing as a system that controls the powerless in favor of the powerful.

Who is considered the father of modern policing?

Robert Peel, known for the London Metropolitan Police Act of 1829.

What are the three jurisdictional levels of policing in Canada?

Federal (RCMP), Provincial Police, and Municipal Police.

What is community patrol in policing?

A method to detect and deter crime through various patrol types like car, foot, and bike.

What is the difference between reactive and proactive criminal investigations?

Reactive investigations respond to reported crimes, while proactive investigations gather evidence before crimes occur.

What role do police officers play in order maintenance?

They manage traffic, crowd control, and conflict resolution to prevent criminal charges.

What are common themes in police films and TV shows?

Action, car chases, justice themes, and a portrayal of good vs evil.

How were women police officers depicted in early films?

Often sexualized, held to beauty standards, and portrayed as unserious.

What is a common myth about police effectiveness?

That more police officers lead to less crime, which studies show is not true.

What is the average number of arrests made by police officers per year?

Between 12 and 20 arrests, averaging less than one every two weeks.

What is the reality regarding police officers firing their weapons?

Most police officers do not fire their guns during their careers.

What is the common misconception about police officers' intelligence?

That they are highly intelligent; many score average on IQ tests.

What is 'noble cause corruption' in policing?

The belief that breaking rules is justified to achieve justice.

How does media representation affect public perception of crime?

It often heightens fear of crime, leading to increased support for police budgets.

What is the reality of police work compared to media portrayals?

Police work is often mundane, involving administrative tasks and community outreach.

What is the significance of the 'war on crime' in media depictions?

It portrays policing as a heroic battle against crime, often ignoring systemic issues.

What is a common depiction of police officers in films?

As selfless heroes who are underappreciated and face constant danger.

What is the reality of mental health issues among police officers?

They experience higher rates of stress, anxiety, and related issues compared to the general population.

What does the term 'bad apple' refer to in policing?

The idea that corruption is limited to a few individuals, ignoring systemic issues.

What is the impact of fear of crime on police funding?

Increased fear leads to demands for higher police budgets and more officers.

What is the role of police discretion?

It allows police to decide whom to stop and how to handle situations based on their judgment.