Policing: Contemporary Issues and Challenges

A set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to contemporary issues in policing as discussed in the lecture.

Public Opinion of Police

The perception and belief of the community regarding the police, influenced by media and personal interactions.

Informal Police Contacts

Interactions between police and the community outside of formal enforcement actions, such as presence in neighborhoods.

Discretion in Policing

The ability of police officers to make decisions on how to enforce the law, such as whether to arrest someone or give a warning.

Factors Influencing Police Discretion

Factors that affect how police exercise discretion include the nature of the crime, relationship between offender and victim, and the demeanor of those involved.

Excessive Use of Force

When police apply more force than is permissible in a given situation, often leading to public concern and discussions about police brutality.

Grass Eaters vs. Meat Eaters

Terminology used to describe two types of police corruption; grass eaters accept payoffs from routine police work, while meat eaters actively exploit their power for personal gain.

Incident Driven Policing

A policing approach that responds primarily to calls for service, such as 911 calls.

Clearance Rates

The percentage of reported crimes that are solved by arrest or exceptional means, which has declined significantly over the years.

Backlogs in Policing

Delays in processing cases and evidence due to insufficient resources and too many cases, resulting in minimal follow-up on lower-priority cases.

Witness Cooperation Challenges

Difficulties law enforcement faces in obtaining information from witnesses, often due to fear of retaliation or a lack of trust in police.