The History of Policing

Social Stratification

The structured ranking of entire groups of people that perpetuates unequal economic rewards and power in a society.

Social Control

Mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies use to regulate individual behavior.

Kin-Police

Self-sufficient and self-policing bodies in Ancient Greece where all citizens were involved in law enforcement.

Shire Reeves

Early English officials responsible for policing local areas, evolving from community responsibility.

Sir Robert Peel

A 19th-century figure who developed modern policing practices focusing on crime prevention through organized patrols.

Community Policing

A policing strategy emphasizing community engagement and proactive measures to reduce crime.

Progressive Era Policing

A movement aimed at professionalizing policing and distancing it from political influences between 1880-1920.

Black Codes

Laws passed in the US that restricted the rights of African Americans post-Civil War.

Prohibition

A nationwide ban on alcohol production, distribution, and sale in the US from 1920 to 1933.

Crime Control Model

A model of criminal justice emphasizing community safety and law enforcement efficiency.

Community Policing (1980)

An approach to policing that focuses on neighborhood engagement to reduce crime and improve relations.

Hybrid Role of Police (2010)

The dual role of police as both crime fighters and public servants in contemporary policing.

Machine Politics

A political system where policing services are often provided to political allies, reflecting organized crime interactions.

Public Assistance

Support provided by police to enhance the well-being of community members and address social issues.

Active Policing

Proactive law enforcement strategies aimed at addressing crime and maintaining order.

Surplus Population

A segment of society that is without work or means of income, often more vulnerable and potentially criminalized.

Feudal Societies

Early societal organizations where communities held responsibilities for their own policing.

Political Patronage

The allocation of resources, services, and jobs to supporters by politicians in return for political support.

Crime Prevention

Strategies and measures taken to reduce the opportunities for crime to occur.

Totalitarian Control

A system where the government has complete control over all aspects of life, including policing.

Institutionalized Control

Established practices used by organizations, such as police, to impose compliance and manage behavior.

Civil Rights Era

Time period when movements aimed at ending racial discrimination flourished, affecting perceptions of and trust in police.

Labor Organization

The collective activities of workers to improve conditions, often met with resistance from law enforcement.

Disorderly Conduct

Behavior that disrupts public peace or safety, often leading to police intervention.

Vagrancy

The condition of people without a permanent home, often criminalized in urban areas.

Scientific Management in Policing

Applying management principles to create specialized police units and improve operational efficiency.