This book maps the development of modern policingboth theory and practicefrom humans' first efforts at social control, through the British roots of modern policing, to the unique institution of American policing today.
How Americans view police has varied dramatically through history. In 1856, New York police opposed wearing uniforms because they felt it represented a militaristic and nondemocratic type of organization. Today, our police model themselves on the military and use military tactics in the war on drugs.
Policing in America: A Reference Handbookchronicles our changing ideas and methods of social control, beginning with the first recorded instances. It traces the trends that have shaped America's unique policing system and our fascination with police. It also examines the hot-button issues that concern police scholars todaysuch as the nature of the police subculture and police corruptionand details the trends and issues that will shape the future of policing. An essential reference for those interested inand affected bythe American system of policing, which impacts us all.
Leonard A. Steverson, Ph.D., is assistant professor of sociology at South Georgia College, Douglas, GA. He is a former probation officer and has served in a number of capacities in corrections and social services.
This reference handbook is recommended for libraries serving high school or undergraduate clientele, as is the entire Contemporary World Issues series. ARBA
Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and general readers. Choice
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