Understanding the evolution of policing in the United States requires examining its historical context. The three major policing eras are generally recognized as the Political Era, the Reform Era, and the Community Era. Here’s a comprehensive review:

1. The Political Era (1840s-1930s):

• Characteristics:
  • This era was marked by close ties between police departments and local political leaders.
  • Police officers were often appointed based on political affiliation, leading to corruption and patronage.
  • The primary function of the police was to maintain order and provide social services.
  • Decentralized organization, with strong local control.
  • Intimate relationship between police and the community, although this relationship was often influenced by political factors.
• Changes and Seminal Events:
  • The rapid growth of urban areas due to industrialization and immigration led to increased social disorder.
  • The formation of the first modern police departments in cities like New York and Chicago.
  • Widespread corruption and political influence on policing practices.
• Prominent Individuals:
  • Political figures who controlled local police forces were the dominant figures of this era.

2. The Reform Era (1930s-1970s):

• Characteristics:
  • This era focused on professionalizing the police force and removing political influence.
  • Emphasis on law enforcement, crime control, and efficient policing practices.
  • Centralized organization, with a focus on hierarchical command structures.
  • Increased use of technology, such as patrol cars and radios.
  • A move towards a more detached relationship between police and the community.
• Changes and Seminal Events:
  • The Wickersham Commission reports highlighted police corruption and the need for reform.
  • The rise of the “professional model” of policing, emphasizing efficiency and objectivity.
  • Increased focus on crime statistics and response times.
  • Landmark supreme court cases, like Miranda vs Arizona, and Mapp vs Ohio, that effected police procedures.
• Prominent Individuals:
  • August Vollmer, a key figure in the professionalization of policing, advocated for higher education and the use of science in law enforcement.

3. The Community Era (1980s-Present):

• Characteristics:
  • This era emphasizes building partnerships between police and the community.
  • Focus on problem-solving and addressing the root causes of crime.
  • Decentralized organization, with greater emphasis on community involvement.
  • Emphasis on proactive policing and crime prevention.
  • The “broken windows” theory gained prominence.
• Changes and Seminal Events:
  • Rising crime rates and social unrest in the 1960s and 1970s led to a decline in public trust in the police.
  • The development of community policing strategies, such as neighborhood watch programs and foot patrols.
  • Increased focus on police accountability and transparency.
  • The rise of data driven policing.
  • Increased national focus on police use of force, and police/community relations.
• Prominent Individuals:
  • Individuals like George Kelling, who contributed to the “broken windows” theory, and those who championed community policing strategies.

It’s important to note that the lines between these eras are not always clear-cut, and elements of each era can be found in contemporary policing. Additionally, following the events of 9/11, some scholars have suggested the emergence of a “Homeland Security Era,” characterized by increased focus on counterterrorism and intelligence gathering.