NCJ Number
105050
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (1986) Pages: 267-285
Date Published
1986
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article offers an analysis of variations in the military structure of police forces in Mexico, Italy, Thailand, and Japan and discusses the appropriateness of such a structure.
Abstract
Italy and Thailand provide examples of almost pure military models of policing: police identify with the army and are trained to act like soldiers. In England and Japan, emphasis is on people's policing, policing by consent, and cooperation. The situation in Mexico is peculiar in that bureaucratic impoverishment has resulted in borrowing of army officers to fill police leadership positions. The military model of policing is largely dependent on the country's historical and political realities as exemplified by the police in Italy and Thailand. In America, the military model was deliberately chosen to eliminate corruption. However, both English and Japanese police are regarded as excellent forces and show that efforts at a civilian model of policing can bear fruit. Because the police are not the army and because they are urged to exercise discretion, humaneness, and judgement in their work, a military model does not seem the most appropriate means of embodying these values. 58 references.