NCJ Number
49992
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1978) Pages: 31-38
Date Published
1978
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE FUTURE OF POLICE ACTIVITY, THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING RESEARCH TO SUPPORT POLICE DECISIONS, AND GROWING PROFESSIONALISM AMONG BOTH POLICE OFFICERS AND ADMINISTRATORS ARE EXAMINED.
Abstract
POLICE TRENDS WHICH HAVE DEVELOPED DURING THE DECADE 1968-1978 INCLUDE CONSOLIDATION OF THE MANY SMALL, INEFFICIENT POLICE DEPARTMENTS, MORE PRECISELY DEFINED POLICE FUNCTIONS, GREATER USE OF SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONNEL TO RESPOND TO FAMILY AND PERSONAL CRISIS CALLS, AND GREATER TRAINING FOR POLICE PERSONNEL AT ALL LEVELS. THESE TRENDS ARE SEEN CONTINUING UNTIL 2034. IT IS ALSO PREDICTED THAT CALLS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES WHICH ARE NOW TREATED AS AN ADJUNCT TO CRIME FIGHTING WILL BE DELEGATED TO SPECIAL UNITS EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THEM ON A 24-HOUR BASIS. POLICE ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN COURT PROCESSES, TRANSPORTING WITNESSES TO COURT AND EXPLAINING COURT PROCEDURE TO WITNESSES AND VICTIMS. BETTER MANAGEMENT OF PATROL AND INVESTIGATIVE ACTIVITIES IS FORESEEN. THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS SEEN AS FUNDING RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATING INFORMATION. LESS DIRECT FEDERAL INTERVENTION IN POLICE ACTIVITIES IS PREDICTED. INSTEAD, THE FEDERAL ROLE IS SEEN AS ADVISORY. THE ARTICLE IS HEAVILY FOOTNOTED. (GLR)