Watchman-Style Situation
During the summer months, a little seaside town experiences a surge of tourists and a relaxed, celebratory ambiance. The local police department, using a Watchman model of policing, assumes the responsibility of maintaining order with a relaxed attitude. At the town’s annual seafood festival, police officers monitor the event, scrutinizing a throng that is actively participating in the festivities while holding alcoholic beverages (Gant & Schaible, 2021). They observe a cohort of young individuals who begin to exhibit somewhat disruptive behavior—nothing severe, but sufficient to attract notice. Instead of resorting to arrests or tickets for public drunkenness, the cops interact with the group through comedy and deliver a courteous warning to address the inappropriate conduct.
Culture Based on Watchman Style
The adoption of the Watchman approach in this seaside town suggests that the local police agency prioritizes maintaining order via community involvement rather than strict law enforcement. The organization’s culture is likely to prioritize discretion, understanding, and flexibility, enabling officers to exercise judgment in accordance with the circumstances rather than adhering to a strict zero-tolerance policy (Gant & Schaible, 2021). The agency’s political culture seems to favor the town’s economic prosperity and its image as a laid-back, tourist-friendly location.
As a result, law enforcement is aligned with these overarching community ideals. This approach indicates that the organization highly prioritizes the quality of life in the neighborhood and views itself as a protector of peace, while also promoting positive relationships with both residents and tourists. In a culturally diverse community, law enforcement agents may face language-related obstacles when responding to requests for assistance. Officers using the guard approach must rely on their communication skills and cultural sensitivity to efficiently handle issues and maintain order within the community.
Legalistic Style
In the central area of a prominent urban center, law enforcement authorities use a policing approach characterized by rigorous adherence to the letter of the law. During the night, a police cruiser receives a report of a disturbance at a nearby apartment complex. Disregarding the tenant’s request for leniency, the police issued a noise violation citation in accordance with local laws, strictly following the regulations without considering the specifics of the situation or the tenant’s past compliance record.
Culture Based on Legalistic Style
An organization characterized by a Legalistic style maintains a culture that emphasizes the fair and impartial application of the law to all persons, regardless of mitigating factors. It suggests the presence of a structured, regulated organizational culture in which adherence to established protocols and uniformity in the implementation of laws are of utmost importance (7.3: The Structure and Nature of Policing, 2021). The political culture is likely to prioritize deterrence and accountability through fair and vigorous law enforcement. If there is substantiated proof of one person perpetrating an act of domestic violence against another, such as engaging in physical assault or making explicit threats of harm, charges must be formally lodged in accordance with the law. The legalistic approach ensures that victims receive legal protection and that criminals are held accountable for their crimes.
Service-Style Situation
The police department in a midsize city, characterized by a diverse population and notable income inequality, prioritizes a Service-oriented approach to policing to foster better connections between law enforcement and the community. Officers are responsible for safeguarding and assisting individuals in various capacities. During an exceptionally frigid winter, law enforcement authorities conduct welfare checks in areas where homeless folks are known to take refuge. Instead of implementing vagrancy regulations or displacing these folks, cops facilitate their connection with local shelters and social agencies that provide temporary lodging and warm clothes. This proactive community service is part of a wider initiative to foster trust and deliver comprehensive care to the community.
Culture Based on Service Style
Adopting a Service style of policing signifies that an agency cultivates a culture characterized by empathy and an active, involved approach to assisting. The organizational culture is expected to prioritize the welfare of its members and go beyond strict law enforcement to address the wider needs of the community. Officers are seen as more than just enforcers—they are regarded as assistants and civil servants (Tura et al., 2022). The political culture may place greater emphasis on measures that promote social welfare programs and foster cooperation with other municipal departments. This approach demonstrates an understanding of the intricate social issues in the community and a commitment to addressing them comprehensively.
A culture characterized by a legalistic approach suggests a hierarchical organization within the institution. Decision-making processes will probably be concentrated at higher levels of management, with well-defined lines of authority for staff to follow. It might foster a perception of structure and stability within the business, but it may also create difficulties in communication and cooperation across divisions. In addition, organizations with a legalistic culture tend to prioritize risk management and compliance over innovation and originality. Although this method may reduce the likelihood of legal challenges or regulatory infractions, it may also restrict employee autonomy and impede prospects for organizational development or transformation.
References
Gant, L., & Schaible, L. (2021). The impact of policing styles on officers’ willingness to make referrals into pre-arrest diversion initiatives. Police Practice and Research, 23(1), 1–15.
7.3: The Structure and Nature of Policing. (2021). Business LibreTexts.
Tura, F., Hunter, J., Thompson, R., & Tseloni, A. (2022). Identifying the adoption of policing styles: A methodology for determining the commitment to problem-oriented policing amongst police forces in England and Wales. Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice. 17.