Chap 2 Flashcards

1
Q

Some possible reasons why police function change from being order maintenance to being dominated to fight crime

A

Public expectations with respect to order safety and protection increased

Legal systems sought to gain greater adherence by the police to legal norms

Police evolution took place within the context of the reform error in American American government. Police departments had to specify their functions and gather data to demonstrate their efficiency and effectiveness and crime related was easier to quantify and justify.

Sought professional. Could claim special skills as well as the need for special training for investigating crimes more so than for maintaining order

Products of modern technology that the police were able to include in their work are more consistent with crime attack model of policing

Action oriented, mandate, such as crime fighting with American cultural expectations

Influence of the media on the public perception of police work contributing to crime fighting image

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2
Q

In citizen, initiated, law-enforcement situations, police have less discretion normally than they do and self initiated. Why?

A

Partly because police usually have no clues about who committed the crime and also if the offender can be identified the preference of the citizen, initiator will often influence the officers decision

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3
Q

What are some reasons police exercise discretion?

A

An officer who attempted to enforce all the laws all the time would be in the station house and in court all the time, and thus would be a little use when problems arose the community

Legislatures pass some laws that they clearly do not intend to have strictly enforced all the time

Legislature passed some laws that are vague making it necessary for the police to interpret them and decide when to apply them

Most Law violations are minor in nature and do not require full enforcement

Full Enforcement of all laws all the time with alienate the public and undermine support for the police and legal system

Full Enforcement of all laws all the time would overwhelm the courts and correctional system

Police have many duties to perform with limited resources

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4
Q

Law-enforcement is best understood as one means employed by police officers to solve problems rather than an end itself

A

It is the police who can ultimately force compliance

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5
Q

What is one of the most important characteristics of policework?

A

Communication skills 

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