Introduction
Maintaining law and order is one of the primary functions of a democratically elected government of the 21st century. Consequently, to ensure public safety, law, and order, governments worldwide have created internal law enforcement agencies commonly referred to as police. Policing, as law enforcement is commonly known, is a vital component of the criminal justice system that is responsible for upholding justice and ensuring public safety.
The role and approach to policing have evolved over hundreds of years, motivated by societal, political, and technological advancements. This research paper delves into the origins of policing, its evolution, and its current state. Additionally, it will propose prioritizing community engagement, fairness, and accountability as innovative ideas for future modification of policing.
Historical Context
The Origins of Policing
The notion of policing can be traced back to ancient civilizations which carried out communal defense. At the time, the individuals charged with this responsibility were appointed from among community members and charged with protecting the community and maintaining law and order. For example, in ancient Rome, the Cohortes Urbanae and Vigiles were among the earliest forms of urban police and fire departments (Emsley, 2021). In other societies, such as England, tithings and later constables were developed to apprehend criminals and maintain order (Emsley, 2021). Despite their different origins, all early forms of policing were similarly oriented since they were reactive and their existence was never geared towards preventing crime.
The Formation of Modern Policing
The emergence of the modern police preceded massive changes in society and civilization in general. Further, socioeconomic changes and the artificial stratification of society motivated the creation of modern policing. Specifically, modern policing emerged in the 19th century due to industrialization and other societal changes. In particular, the formation of the Metropolitan Police Service in London in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel earned him the moniker of the father of modern policing (Emsley, 2021).
His policing model emphasized crime prevention, the importance of public consent, and cooperation with the community. Given the success and effectiveness of the police he established, his model became the building block for modern policing in many Western countries. Over the years, this model has been modified and exported to other countries worldwide, leading to the emergence of police forces responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.
Policing in the United States
Policing in the US employs hundreds of thousands of people working at local, state, and federal levels to maintain public safety and ensure law and order. Since it emerged as a formidable sovereign nation, the US has emphasized the creation of police to ensure the enforcement of laws. The earliest forms of policing in the US can be traced back to slave patrols created in the 1700s in Carolinas (French, 2018). After the enactment of the US Constitution, the authority to establish a police force was delegated to the states and, by extension the people. Consequently, the modern police in the US are not centrally controlled or decentralized, with each state having control over law enforcement in its jurisdiction. Further, the development of policing in the US was influenced by a mix of a desire for centralized authority and English common law.
In this regard, some of the earliest policing in the US was characterized by informal watch groups, which were later followed by the introduction of formalized police departments in major cities in the mid-19th century. Given the tainted roots of policing in the form of slave patrols, police are still accused of enforcing discriminatory and racist policies to this day.
This historical perception of police as an enabler of oppression by some groups has created deep mistrust that inhibits cooperation with the public to eliminate the root of crime. In addition, this debate has recently evolved into a political debate, leading to calls from some sectors to defund police across the US. However, these calls have so far not taken root among most people who still positively perceive law enforcement.
The Professional Model
The professional model of policing emerged in the 20th century, and its main objective was the prioritization of crime fighting. In the US, this model was implemented with police departments adopting a hierarchical structure, standardized training, and the use of technology to improve their efficiency (French, 2018). During this era, decision-making in police departments was centralized, and the disconnect between law enforcement and members of the public increased. Thus, while policing became more efficient in the 20th century, its inflexible decision-making and detachment from the public created trust issues that inhibited efforts to identify and deal with the roots of crime.
The Present State of Policing
Challenges in Modern Policing
Despite efforts to modern policing in the US, it has encountered several challenges. One of these challenges is the militarization of the police. Since the 9/11 tragedy, police departments have embarked on and prioritized a large-scale militarization campaign. This militarization has meant considerable resources are used, leaving little for other initiatives, such as community policing (French, 2018). Other challenges faced by police in the US include a lack of accountability and insufficient accountability mechanisms, a strained relationship with the communities they serve, and increasing cases of police misconduct. These challenges have eroded trust in law enforcement, making it hard to deal with crime.
Community-Centered Policing
As rates of crime continue to surge throughout the country, new approaches to policing have emerged. One of these approaches is community-centered policing, which emphasizes the cooperation and collaboration of law enforcement with the community to identify and deal with the causes of crime (Olisa, 2020). This paradigm shift has gained traction as police try to change their reputation from crime fighters to problem solvers. This policing model has proven effective, and if widely acceptable, it can increase trust in law enforcement and the understanding of community needs. It can also help significantly reduce crime by addressing its root causes.
Insights and Ideas on Modifications
The United States is one of the oldest and most modern democracies in the world. Consequently, all public agencies, including law enforcement should embrace the spirit of democracy and serve all people without regard for their race, social status, or other characteristics. One way policing can improve in the US is through increased community engagement. Fostering trust through engagements enables the identification of the root causes of crime and thus improves public safety (Varghese et al., 2019).
Another modification that can be undertaken is an emphasis on de-escalation and non-lethal methods. Law enforcement must be trained to handle complex situations without force. This shift will minimize fatalities during police encounters and redeem law enforcement in the eyes of individuals and communities that have suffered police brutality.
Another modification that should be adopted is independent oversight and the roll-out of body cameras for all police. These measures would foster accountability for using force and ensure impartiality and fairness in each violent police encounter(Varghese et al., 2019). Finally, law enforcement should invest in community policing programs such as mental health services and addiction treatment. Such programs foster trust in the community, which is key to identifying the root causes of criminal conduct and reducing recidivism.
Putting Ideas to Action
The modifications outlined here are necessary to create police departments that respond to the needs of the citizens they serve. In particular, Congress should enact legislation requiring states to purchase body-worn cameras for all law enforcement agencies. In addition, police training academies should revise their training manuals to incorporate courses on community engagement, de-escalation, and cultural sensitivity (Varghese et al., 2019). Finally, rather than prioritizing the militarization of police departments, state and local governments should provide adequate funding for community policing initiatives, which is critical to understanding and dealing with the root causes of crime.
Conclusion
Policing has evolved from ancient guardianship to a modern force essential for maintaining public safety and law and order. Nonetheless, challenges remain, making reforms to ensure equality and efficiency inevitable. Through a shift to a community-centered approach, the prioritization of accountability, fairness, and transparency, the policing of the future that serves the interests of all citizens can be created. Thus, the criminal justice system should embrace innovation and change to ensure public safety while respecting all people’s rights and dignity.
References
Emsley, C. (2021). A short history of police and policing. Oxford University Press.
French, L. (2018). The History of Policing America: From militias and military to the law enforcement of today. Rowman et Littlefield.
Olisa, V. (2020). Policing in an age of reform—an overview of the United Kingdom Community-centred police model. Palgrave’s Critical Policing Studies, 49–60. Web.
Varghese, F. P., Israel, T., Seymour, G., Becker Herbst, R., Suarez, L. G., & Hargons, C. (2019). Injustice in the justice system: Reforming inequities for true “Justice for all”. The Counseling Psychologist, 47(5), 682–740. Web.