NCJ Number
174573
Date Published
1998
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This analysis of current trends and issues in policing focuses on the accreditation of police agencies, higher education for police, police misconduct, affirmative action and equal opportunity employment, police officer health, police use of deadly force, law enforcement's response to violence, private security, technology, and crime prevention.
Abstract
Within the last decade the law enforcement profession has tried to develop and implement recognized standards. Corruption has been a problem of varying degrees among police officers form the beginning of policing. Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs for minorities and women have been designed to increase police effectiveness. Issues related to police health include job stress, alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide. Police use of deadly force is a source of divided opinion. Several innovative programs have sought to address violent crime. Police and private police are increasingly examining their respective and interactive roles. Three technological innovations that have particularly aided law enforcement are computer-aided dispatch, fingerprint automation, and police use of laptop computers. Finally, numerous current efforts involve police and citizen efforts and collaboration to prevent crime. Figures, photographs, discussion and review questions, notes, case citation, and 37 references