State, Society, & Public Policy Lecture Notes

Flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts related to public policy, bureaucracy, and the role of police in society.

Public Policy

What the government chooses to do or not to do on behalf of the public.

Bureaucracy

A rule-bound, hierarchical organization staffed by salaried officials with specialized roles.

Policy Typology

A system for categorizing policies on the basis of similar characteristics.

Levels of Policy

Includes constitutional, statutory, regulatory, SOPs, and street-level bureaucrats.

Street-level Bureaucrats

Public officials who directly interact with citizens in the execution of public policy.

Asshole Labeling

A term used by police to justify aggressive or dismissive behavior towards civilians.

Street Justice

Extra-legal punishment aimed at restoring authority, often through symbolic acts.

Normalization in Police Culture

The process where derogatory labeling becomes institutionalized, affecting new officers' behavior.

Psychological Impact on Officers

The emotional toll on officers labeling civilians as 'assholes,' leading to desensitization and cynicism.

Community Engagement

Strategies aimed at building trust and cooperative relationships between police and the public.