Contains ninety-five primary documents, grouped into seven different time periods, that chronicle the history and development of police policy and the role of police in American society.

An in-depth critical analysis of how ruling elites use the police institution in order to control communities.

Following the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and other unfortunate events related to excessive force and police brutality, law enforcement officials in America are facing many renewed threats to their legitimacy. Police in American Society: Selected Readings for the Student Practitioner provides students with information on the specific challenges and issues that individuals in police management must confront to rebuild public trust. The book begins with readings that present the historical perspective of policing, as well as new approaches to the profession. Later readings speak to legitimacy, professionalism, and accountability. The book concludes with selections on recruiting, ethics, and use of force. Specific topics addressed include the functions of police in modern society, the militarization of the police force, police legitimacy, and police shootings and citizen behavior. Police in American Society is well-suited for undergraduate courses in sociology, criminal justice, and criminology, especially those that address police and citizen behavior.

With an engaging and balanced approach, former police officer and policing scholar Willard M. Oliver encourages students to think critically about the role of the police and the practice of policing in American society today. Policing America builds a basic understanding of contemporary police practices upon a foundation of essential theory and research. In a readable style, the author offers a contextual understanding of concepts in policing, supported by academic research, and balanced with the voice of the American police officer. New to the Third Edition: Updated with new statistics and research Carefully streamlined and edited to ensure teachability and accuracy Current policing journal articles findings included and cited Discussion of the modern political movement of “defunding the police” and how this impacts both the police and the community Coverage of the use of video doorbell technology and its effect on policing Professors and students will benefit from: Succinct yet thorough treatment of all policing topics, with a balanced approach that emphasizes contemporary policing Discussion of best policing practices and research Real-world issues highlighted in text boxes Hypotheticals that exemplify theory in practice in every chapter A design for learning that includes charts, graphics, and summaries of key points A focus on encouraging students to think critically about the role of policing in today’s society

In the field of law enforcement in the United States, it is essential to know the contemporary problems being faced and combine that knowledge with empirical research and theoretical reasoning to arrive at best practices and an understanding of policing. Policing in America, Eighth Edition, provides a thorough analysis of the key issues in policing today, and offers an issues-oriented discussion focusing on critical concerns such as personnel systems, organization and management, operations, discretion, use of force, culture and behavior, ethics and deviance, civil liability, and police-community relations. A critical assessment of police history and the role politics played in the development of American police institutions is also addressed, as well as globalization, terrorism, and homeland security. This new edition not only offers updated research and examples, it also incorporates more ways for the reader to connect to the content through learning objectives, discussion questions, and "Myths and Realities of Policing" boxes. Video and Internet links provide additional coverage of important issues. With completely revised and updated chapters, Policing in America, Eighth Edition provides an up-to-date examination of what to expect as a police officer in America. In full color, including photographs and illustrations Video links provide additional coverage of topics discussed in the text Learning objectives, critical thinking questions, and review questions in every chapter help to reinforce key concepts Updated figures and “Myths and Realities of Policing boxes provide important context Includes all-new content, such as further coverage of violent crime reduction programs, gangs, and drug use Access to student and instructor ancillaries, including Self-Assessments, Case Studies, Test Bank, and PowerPoint Lecture Slides

"Project of the American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Standards Committee, Criminal Justice Section"--T.p. verso.

With an engaging and balanced approach, former police officer and policing scholar Willard M. Oliver encourages students to think critically about the role of the police and the practice of policing in American society today. Policing America builds a basic understanding of contemporary police practices upon a foundation of essential theory and research. In a readable style, the author offers a contextual understanding of concepts in policing, supported by academic research, and balanced with the voice of the American police officer. New to the Third Edition: Updated with new statistics and research Carefully streamlined and edited to ensure teachability and accuracy Current policing journal articles findings included and cited Discussion of the modern political movement of “defunding the police” and how this impacts both the police and the community Coverage of the use of video doorbell technology and its effect on policing Professors and students will benefit from: Succinct yet thorough treatment of all policing topics, with a balanced approach that emphasizes contemporary policing Discussion of best policing practices and research Real-world issues highlighted in text boxes Hypotheticals that exemplify theory in practice in every chapter A design for learning that includes charts, graphics, and summaries of key points A focus on encouraging students to think critically about the role of policing in today’s society