Introduction to Criminal Justice - Contemporary Policing

A set of 60 flashcards summarizing key concepts related to contemporary policing, organizational structure, community policing, controversial issues, and the police role based on the lecture notes.

Contemporary Policing

The evolution of policing practices from the 1970s to 1990s.

Knapp Commission

A commission established in 1972 to investigate corruption in the NYPD.

Rotten Apple Theory

The idea that corruption in police is limited to a few individuals rather than the entire organization.

Grass-eaters

Officers who accept bribes and engage in minor forms of corruption.

Meat-eaters

Officers who actively seek out corrupt opportunities and exploit their authority.

Christopher Commission

Investigative body formed after the Rodney King incident to address issues in the LAPD.

Rampant Racism

Widespread discriminatory practices within the police force towards racial minorities.

Community Policing

A philosophy emphasizing collaboration between police and communities to address issues.

Police Image

Public perception of the police, which includes trust and respect.

Department of Homeland Security

A federal agency responsible for protecting the nation against various threats.

Department of Justice

The federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of laws.

Small Agencies

Local police departments with limited resources and personnel.

Paramilitary Framework

The organizational structure of police resembling military hierarchy.

Chain of Command

The formal line of authority and responsibility in police departments.

Police Academy

Training facility for aspiring police officers to acquire necessary skills.

Discretion

The ability of police officers to make decisions based on their own judgment.

Reactive Policing

A form of policing that responds primarily to incidents after they occur.

Proactive Policing

Preventative measures taken by police to stop crime before it happens.

Undercover Work

Secret operations conducted by police to gather information.

Police Chief

The highest-ranking officer in a police department responsible for its overall operations.

Code of Silence

An unspoken rule among police officers against reporting misconduct of fellow officers.

Hypermasculinity

An exaggerated adherence to traditional male gender roles within policing.

Underrepresentation of Women

The lower number of female officers compared to male officers in police forces.

Racial Profiling

Discriminatory practice where individuals are targeted based on race.

Victims’ Rights

Legal rights ensuring the protection and support of crime victims.

SARA Model

A problem-oriented policing approach consisting of Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment.

Crime Triangle

A model representing the three elements needed for a crime to occur: motivated offender, suitable victim, and absence of a capable guardian.

Routine Activity Theory

Theory explaining crime occurrence based on daily activities and the convergence of offenders, victims, and lack of guardianship.

Broken Windows Theory

Social theory suggesting that visible signs of disorder cause more crime.

Zero Tolerance

Strict enforcement of laws and policies regardless of circumstances.

CompSTAT

A performance management system used by police agencies to reduce crime.

Intelligence-Led Policing

A policing model that uses data analysis and intelligence to guide decision-making.

Procedural Justice

The idea that fair treatment and transparency in the law enforcement process enhance legitimacy.

Attribution Theory

A social psychology concept that explains how individuals attribute cause to behaviors.

Continuum of Force

The varying levels of force used by police depending on the situation.

Excessive Force

The use of force by law enforcement that is more than what is necessary to control a situation.

Fatal Police Shootings

Incidents where police officers kill civilians, often analyzed for demographic patterns.

Body Cameras

Devices worn by police officers to record interactions with the public.

Mandatory Arrest Policies

Policies that require officers to make an arrest in certain situations, such as domestic violence.

Private Policing

Security services provided by private entities as opposed to government police agencies.

Social Media in Policing

Using platforms for communication and outreach by law enforcement agencies.

Nonlethal Force

Methods of control that are designed to minimize the likelihood of causing death.

Tasers

Electronic devices used by police to incapacitate subjects non-lethally.

Military Drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles used by police for surveillance and monitoring programs.

Government Accountability

The responsibility of government officials to be answerable to the public.

Victim Support Services

Programs designed to assist and support crime victims after an incident.

Crisis Intervention Teams

Groups of police officers specially trained to interact with individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Fusion Centers

Collaborative efforts of various agencies to share intelligence and improve security.

Hot Spots

Geographical areas with high concentrations of crime.

Community Partnerships

Collaborative efforts between police and community members to solve problems.

Philosophical Dimension

The theoretical aspect of community policing focused on principles and beliefs.

Tactical Dimension

The practical approaches and methodologies used in community policing.

Strategic Dimension

Long-term planning and goal-setting in community policing.

Organizational Dimension

The structural elements that support community policing within police departments.

Personal Services

Services provided by police to support individuals affected by crime.

Problem Solving

Approaches aimed at identifying and resolving specific issues within a community.

Rennison, Introduction to Criminal Justice

Textbook providing comprehensive information on criminal justice and policing.