An International Perspective on Policing

These flashcards cover key concepts related to international policing structures, decentralization, and topics surrounding police misconduct to assist in exam preparation.

What are the four classifications of police structures according to Bayley?

Decentralized, multiple, uncoordinated, coordinated.

What does decentralization refer to in the context of policing?

The transfer of power/authority from a higher level of government to a lower level of government.

What is a general-purpose police officer?

A police officer with full powers of access, arrest, and investigation for any criminal offense throughout the territory of the authorizing government unit.

What distinguishes a centralized single system from a decentralized single system?

Centralized single systems operate under one national police force; decentralized allows local jurisdictions to establish their own forces.

How many police forces operate in England and Wales?

There are 43 police forces in England and Wales.

What two types of national police forces exist in France?

Police Nationale (urban areas) and Gendarmerie Nationale (rural areas).

What characterizes Mexico's police system?

A decentralized multiple uncoordinated system with overlapping jurisdiction among federal, state, and local levels.

How does the U.S. Constitution relate to policing?

It avoids any mention of a national police force, delegating law enforcement duties to local communities.

What is the relationship between police systems and public trust according to research?

Transferring police services to local governments may increase citizen trust in more developed countries.

What are the perceived issues surrounding police misconduct according to Transparency International?

Perception of police corruption varies across countries; police in some countries (e.g., Sierra Leone) are viewed as highly corrupt.