Policing in the United States has transformed tremendously through the years. What began in many areas as
groups of constables or posses has grown to one of the largest professions in the country comprised of
hundreds of separate organizations. As you read, you will learn that the early forms of “police” consisted of little
more than community members acting together to maintain social order. Yet, over time, the use of community
members to regulate social order fell away and was replaced by more formalized policing system.
Today, police departments are faced with multiple mandates including reducing crime, promoting homeland
security, and improving relations with the community (particularly minority communities). On December 18,
2014, President Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13684, establishing a Task Force on 21st Century
Policing to identify best practices how policing strategies can both reduce crime while building public trust.
This discussion question will focus on 21st Century Policing.
For this activity, use the following resources:
Policing in the 21st Century (Links to an external site.):tsLinks to an external site.
21st Century Policing Presidential Taskforce Final Report (Links to an external site.);4¢Links to an external site.
Given what you have learned in this module, read on the COPS website, and read in Chapter Twenty Emerging
Issues in Criminal Justice Policy explain what aspects of 21st Century Policing do you consider vital in order for
this type of policing strategy to succeed in reducing crime, promoting homeland security, and building public
trust.
Consider the following questions when formulating your response:
Do the six building blocks of community policing support each of the three goals identified above?
Looking at the following map
Sample Solution