The History of Policing

A comprehensive collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the history and evolution of policing.

Policing

The organized method of maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and preventing crime.

Dynamic Entity

An aspect of policing that reflects continual change and evolution.

Borh

An early English system of mutual responsibility for criminal behavior among groups.

Frankpledge

A system where groups of ten households (tithings) would be responsible for one another.

Tithing

A group of ten men in early English law responsible for each other's behavior.

Hundred

A group of ten tithings in Anglo-Saxon England responsible for law enforcement.

Parish Constable

An elected official responsible for maintaining law and order in a parish.

Shire Reeves

A historical office which equates to the modern sheriff, responsible for maintaining peace in a shire.

Watchmen

Individuals employed to monitor and protect the streets of towns, particularly at night.

Thief Taker

A private citizen who was paid to capture criminals, often without formal police powers.

Metropolitan Police Act of 1829

Legislation that established the first organized police force in London.

Bobbies

A colloquial term for police officers in the UK, originating from Sir Robert Peel.

Peelian Principles

A set of ethical guidelines for policing established by Sir Robert Peel.

Reactive Policing

A type of policing that responds to crimes after they happen rather than preventing them.

Vigilantes

Self-appointed groups that enforce law and order without legal authority.

Slave Patrols

Groups formed to control slave populations and prevent escape in the Antebellum South.

Fugitive Slave Law of 1850

A law that mandated the return of runaway slaves to their owners.

Professionalism in Policing

The movement towards more organized, skilled, and well-paid police forces.

August Vollmer

Recognized as the Father of American Policing, known for his reforms and modernization efforts.

Third Degree

A method of coercing confessions from suspects, which was outlawed by Vollmer.

College Degree Requirement

A standard established by Vollmer for police officers to enhance professionalism.

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

An organization established to support police leadership and advance professionalism.

Police Unions

Organizations that advocate for police officers' rights and interests.

Civil Rights Movement

A social movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and achieving equal rights.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

A landmark law aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Canine Police Officers

Police units that utilize specially trained dogs for law enforcement purposes.

Diversity in Policing

The inclusion of various demographic groups within police departments.

LGBTQ Police Officers

Law enforcement officers who identify as part of the LGBTQ community.

Alice Stebbins Wells

Considered the first female police officer in the United States.

Georgia Robinson

The first Black female police officer hired in Los Angeles.

Jim Beltran

Recognized as the first Asian police officer hired in the United States.

Professional Police Training

The education and training required for law enforcement personnel.

Modus Operandi

A method or pattern of behavior characteristic of a particular criminal.

Social Order

The arrangement of practices and behaviors within a society that maintain a stable environment.

Ethical Police Force

A law enforcement entity that adheres to moral principles in its operations.

Civil Unrest

A manifestation of social discontent, often resulting in riots or protests.

Imprisonment Rates

Statistics reflecting the number of individuals incarcerated, often cited in discussions of criminal justice.

Police Accountability

The requirement for police to be responsible for their actions and decisions.

Public Perception of Police

How the community views law enforcement, which can be influenced by various factors.

Community Policing

A strategy of law enforcement that focuses on building relationships and working closely with community members.

Preventive Policing

Police strategies aimed at deterring crime before it occurs.

Crisis Intervention

Police response techniques that aim to resolve situations without force.

Substance Analysis

The process of analyzing substances to detect and identify illegal drugs or toxicologic evidence.

Police Reform

Changes made to improve the accountability, effectiveness, and fairness of policing practices.

Selective Enforcement

The practice of law enforcement choosing to enforce some laws more than others.

Unequal Enforcement

The disparity in how laws are applied to different demographic groups.

Police Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that characterize police organizations.

Recruitment Challenges

Difficulties law enforcement agencies face in attracting and hiring qualified candidates.

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, often challenged in policing contexts.

Community Engagement

The involvement of community members in discussions and solutions regarding public safety.

Diversity Initiatives

Programs and policies aimed at increasing diversity within law enforcement.