Study Notes on Community Oriented Policing

COMMUNTIY ORIENTED POLICING / COMMUNITY AND HUMAN RELATIONS

LUIS GUTIERREZ

THE EVOLUTION OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING

CHAPTER 1

HISTORICAL ROOTS OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING

Community Oriented Policing (COP) is a longstanding philosophy that is not a recent development in policing methods. Its evolution can be traced back to several historical milestones:

  • Code of Hammurabi (approx. 2100 BC): One of the earliest written legal codes, which established rules governing collective security in society.

  • Frankpledge System of England (597-1066 AD): An early form of community policing where communities were responsible for their members and actions, emphasizing collective responsibility.

    • Tithings: A group of ten households, which constituted the basic unit of this system.

    • “Hue and Cry”: A call for assistance from the community to capture criminals.

    • Shire-reeve: A local official responsible for maintaining law and order, an early precursor to modern sheriffs.

  • Norman Conquest (1066-1215 AD): Introduction of more militarized systems of policing, which shifted away from community involvement in maintaining justice.

MAGNA CARTA (1215)

  • The Magna Carta is critical as it granted rights to individuals that aimed to limit the abuse of power by authorities.

  • It marked a return to the principles of community policing, notably through the revival of the “hue and cry” and “watch and ward” systems of policing.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (1600-1700)

  • During the Industrial Revolution, rapid urbanization led to a significant rise in crime rates, necessitating a more structured approach to policing.

METROPOLITAN POLICE ACT OF 1829

  • Established by Sir Robert Peel, the Metropolitan Police Act marked the creation of the first organized police department in London.

  • Key concepts introduced:

    • Police are an integral part of the community.

    • “The police are the public, and the public are the police”: This underscores the concept that police should not be seen as an occupying force but as public servants.

    • The organization of the police force was designed along military lines yet remained separate from military control.

    • Essential qualities for police:

      • Well-trained

      • Committed

      • Ethical

      • Controlled by government

      • Accountable to the people

POLICING IN AMERICA

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

  • The Declaration outlines that all individuals are entitled to certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which emphasizes the foundation of governmental powers derived from the consent of the governed.

U.S. CONSTITUTION

  • The U.S. Constitution establishes the framework for government designed to promote justice, maintain domestic tranquility, and secure liberties for its citizens.

DEVELOPMENT OF POLICING IN THE U.S. (1600 - 1800)

  • Early policing consisted of local officials such as sheriffs and night watchmen.

  • Boston Police Department (1838): This was the first organized police department in the U.S., which initially operated only during daylight hours.

    • Political Era of Policing (1840-1930): Characterized by a system where police appointments were often linked to political affiliations, known as the spoils system.

    • Pendleton Act of 1883: Introduced civil service reform that aimed to eliminate the spoils system and enhance standards in police selection.

    • Impact of the Industrial Revolution: The rise of organized labor movements added pressure for better working conditions for police officers.

    • Example: The Boston Police Strike catalyzed demands for improvements in police conditions, highlighting the need for effective police management.

    • Volstead Act: The enforcement of Prohibition led to increased demands on policing.

REFORM / PROFESSIONAL ERA OF POLICING (1930-1960)

  • Influential figures included August Vollmer and O.W. Wilson who campaigned for the professionalization of police force.

  • Wickersham Commission: This commission recommended improved standards for police training and hiring practices.

POLICE – COMMUNITY RELATIONS ERA (1960-1985)

  • This era witnessed increased tensions between police and various communities along civil and racial lines.

  • Initiatives such as the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice worked towards enhancing police standards and practices, promoting diversity in recruitment, and establishing citizen review boards for police actions.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING ERA (1985-Present)

  • Characterizes a significant shift from traditional policing methods to community-oriented approaches that emphasize collaboration with community members.

  • Key distinctions include:

    • Comparison of “Traditional” policing vs. Community policing: Traditional focuses primarily on crime control, while community policing emphasizes order maintenance.

    • Shift toward Decentralization of the police structure.

    • Emergence of neighborhood cops, which means police officers are embedded within the neighborhoods they serve, as well as the establishment of satellite stations and storefronts for greater community accessibility.

    • Strategic distribution of police resources aimed at community engagement and crime prevention.