This report of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice -- established by President Lyndon Johnson on July 23, 1965 -- addresses the causes of crime and delinquency and recommends how to prevent crime and delinquency and improve law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice. In developing its findings and recommendations, the Commission held three national conferences, conducted five national surveys, held hundreds of meetings, and interviewed tens of thousands of individuals. Separate chapters of this report discuss crime in America, juvenile delinquency, the police, the courts, corrections, organized crime, narcotics and drug abuse, drunkenness offenses, gun control, science and technology, and research as an instrument for reform. Significant data were generated by the Commission's National Survey of Criminal Victims, the first of its kind conducted on such a scope. The survey found that not only do Americans experience far more crime than they report to the police, but they talk about crime and the reports of crime engender such fear among citizens that the basic quality of life of many Americans has eroded. The core conclusion of the Commission, however, is that a significant reduction in crime can be achieved if the Commission's recommendations (some 200) are implemented. The recommendations call for a cooperative attack on crime by the Federal Government, the States, the counties, the cities, civic organizations, religious institutions, business groups, and individual citizens. They propose basic changes in the operations of police, schools, prosecutors, employment agencies, defenders, social workers, prisons, housing authorities, and probation and parole officers.

An in-depth critical analysis of how ruling elites use the police institution in order to control communities.

The classic book on problem-oriented policing (POP), is now back in print. Written by Professor Herman Goldstein, one of the most highly regarded scholars in the field of policing who originated the POP concept, this monograph presents a new model for developing police services that corrects for the inadequacies and conflicts inherent in the traditional model. While originally published in 1990, the concept is even more relevant today as a response to meeting current concerns regarding the complex role of the police in a society that seeks to increase police effectiveness while placing the highest value on operating in accord with democratic principles. It calls for reorienting police agencies so that they place highest emphasis on: (1) analyzing each of the specific behavioral problems that the public expects them to handle; (2) developing new, creative, tailor-made responses to each such problem, giving top priority to preventive measures and trying to avoid over dependence on the criminal justice system, and engaging the community more fully; (3) realigning their organization, leadership, recruitment and training to support this orientation.

"Policing in a Diverse Society provides an in-depth look at historical events that have shaped the thinking of both minority groups and law enforcement officers. Many stereotypes and myths have evolved as a result of lack of understanding, and this book utilizes a historical perspective as a means of closing the gap between the law enforcement officers and the communities they serve and protect. The text offers the reader an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the "rift" that may exist between law enforcement and citizens. This discussion impresses upon the reader the need for officers in training to arm themselves with more than guns and a badge; knowledge about issues relating to diversity is necessary in order for officers to perform their duties effectively and efficiently in America's diverse population. This book is useful not only for criminal justice students, but law enforcement organizations' basic law enforcement training sessions as well. In an effort to achieve the main objective of helping the reader understand and build a better relationship between officers and citizens, the historical perspective of each population segment discussed is included. This second edition includes "first hand" knowledge from officers who are currently employed in law enforcement. They share their knowledge in order to stimulate and motivate thinking that can assist with building trust between officers, individuals, and the community. These officers describe "real life" experiences that they are confronted with daily as they struggle to not only protect and serve but to also build trust. This edition also utilizes current events and situations to formulate progressive thinking on twenty-first century issues such as immigration and the use of deadly force. The overall aim is to provide information that will encourage dialogue and positive actions"--

An unprecedented look at the evolution of American police, from filling their intended role as peacekeepers and guardians of citizen rights to calling themselves-and acting primarily as-"law enforcement officers." As accusations of police misconduct and racial bias increasingly dominate the media, The Police in a Free Society: Safeguarding Rights While Enforcing the Law takes an unflinching look at the police, the communities they serve, and the politicians who direct them. Author Todd Douglas, a veteran state police commander, exposes the occurrences of police misconduct and incompetence as well as incidences of charlatans who intentionally inflame racial tensions with the police for their own political or financial gain. Readers will better understand what police officers must deal with on a daily basis, grasp the role of lawmakers in keeping faith with the public, and appreciate the tremendous challenges that police leaders face in attempting to reverse recent trends and shore up public confidence in police officers. This is a rare glimpse into the often-ugly reality of what happens on America's streets, with insights gained from the perspective of the cop and suspect alike.

Community Policing: Comparative Perspectives and Prospects compares community policing initiatives in Canada, Great Britain, Israel, and the United States and discusses similar efforts in other countries that have experimented with this policing strategy. The book deals with a range of pertinent issues, including fear of crime, the attitudes of police officers and citizens, and victimization. Other issues addressed include: police administration, style, and training; how community policing is portrayed in the media; and the relationship between the police and other social services. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the concept of community policing, the forces that make it work, and the resources that can be mobilized to assist the police. By developing a workable, concise definition of community policing and presenting a critical look at its limitations and promises, Community Policing provides an invaluable guide for students and researchers of policing, criminology, and public administration, as well as police officers and administrators responsible for the policy's implementation.

Policing for the 21st Century: Realizing the Vision of Police in a Free Society

Politicians, citizens, and police agencies have long embraced community policing, hoping to reduce crime and disorder by strengthening the ties between urban residents and the officers entrusted with their protection. That strategy seems to make sense, but in Citizens, Cops, and Power, Steve Herbert reveals the reasons why it rarely, if ever, works. Drawing on data he collected in diverse Seattle neighborhoods from interviews with residents, observation of police officers, and attendance at community-police meetings, Herbert identifies the many obstacles that make effective collaboration between city dwellers and the police so unlikely to succeed. At the same time, he shows that residents’ pragmatic ideas about the role of community differ dramatically from those held by social theorists. Surprising and provocative, Citizens, Cops, and Power provides a critical perspective not only on the future of community policing, but on the nature of state-society relations as well.