Policing: Contemporary Issues and Challenges

Chapter 5

aggressive patrol

a patrol strategy designed to maximize the number of police interventions and observations in the community

CALEA

nonprofit organization formed by major law enforcement executives to develop standards for police policies and practice

civilian review board

citizens committees formed to investigate complaints against the police

clearance rate

the percentage of crimes known to the police to have been solved through arrest

community crime prevention

programs through which criminal justice officials cultivate relationships with and rely on assistance from citizens in preventing crime and apprehending offenders

CompStat

an approach to crime prevention and police productivity measurement

detectives

police officers who investigate crimes that have occurred

differential response

a patrol strategy that assigns priorities to calls for service and chooses the appropriate response

directed patrol

a proactive form of patrolling that directs resources to known high-crime areas

domestic violence

the term commonly used to refer to intimate partner violence of violent victimizations between spouses, girlfriends etc.

excessive use of force

applications of force against individuals by police officers that violate either departmental policies or constitutional rights

fusion centers

centers run by states and large cities that analyze and facilitate sharing of information to assist law enforcement and homeland security agencies

incident-driven policing

policing in which calls for service are the primary instigators of action

internal affairs unit

a branch of a police department that receives and investigates complaints alleging violation of rules and policies on part of officers

Interpol

the international criminal police organization with the mission of facilitating international cooperation in investigating transnational criminal activities and security threats

law enforcement intelligence

information collected and analyzed by law enforcement officials concerning criminal activities and organizations

PATRIOT Act

a federal statute passed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that broadens government authority to conduct searches and wiretaps and expands the definitions of crimes involving terrorism

police corruption

police officers violations of law and departmental policy for personal gain

preventive patrol

making the police presence known to deter crime and to make officers available to respond quickly to calls

proactive

acting in anticipation

reactive

occurring in response

school resource officers

police officers assigned for duty in schools

Section 1983 Lawsuits

civil suits authorized by federal statue against state and local officials and local agencies when citizens have evidence that these officials have violated their federal constitutional rights

sworn officers

police employees who have taken an oath and been given powers by the state to make arrests

U.S Border Patrol

federal law enforcement agency with responsibility for border security by patrolling coastal waters and national land borders

Everyday Actions of Police

Police rely on public cooperation to identify crime and exercise discretion in ambiguous situations.

Ways Police Can Abuse Power

Police corruption and excessive force erode community support, raising bias concerns.

Methods to Make Police Accountable

Internal affairs, civilian review boards, accreditation, and civil lawsuits increase accountability.

Delivery of Police Services

Police are mainly reactive, with productivity measured by clearance rate, though proactive approaches are harder to assess.

Patrol Strategies

Include preventive patrol, hot spots, foot/motorized patrol, aggressive patrol, and community policing to prevent disorder.

Importance of Connections Between Police and Community

Requires addressing diverse groups’ needs and maintaining community ties for effectiveness.