Policing in America

Book excerpt: This comprehensive text provides an overview of law enforcement topics, integrating major empirical findings and theory-based research findings in the field with a thorough analysis of contemporary policing problems. The issues-oriented discussion focuses on critical concerns facing American police, including 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 offered. Globalization, terrorism and homeland security are addressed. Video and Internet links provide additional coverage of topics discussed in the text. Companion mobile app, Policing In America: Exam Cram, won the 2012 PROSE Award for Best eProduct in Social Sciences from the Association of American Publishers Video links provide additional coverage of topics discussed in the text Key concepts, Internet links, charts and tables support the text throughout Equipped with a superior ancillary package, which includes 30 minutes of streaming video