Political Era of Policing

Definition

The Political Era of Policing refers to a period in American law enforcement history from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, characterized by close ties between police departments and local political organizations. During this time, policing was heavily influenced by political patronage and corruption, as police officers were often appointed based on political connections rather than merit, leading to a lack of professionalism and accountability in law enforcement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Political Era is noted for its intertwining of policing with local politics, where officers often served as political enforcers for elected officials.
2. Police departments during this time lacked formal training and standardized procedures, resulting in inconsistent law enforcement practices.
3. Corruption was rampant in many police departments, with officers often accepting bribes or engaging in criminal activities themselves.
4. The relationship between police and the community was often adversarial due to the perceived role of police as tools of political power rather than public servants.
5. This era laid the groundwork for the reform movements in policing that sought to increase professionalism and reduce political influence in law enforcement.

Review Questions

• How did political patronage influence the hiring practices within police departments during the Political Era of Policing?
  • During the Political Era of Policing, hiring practices were heavily influenced by political patronage. Officers were often appointed based on their connections to local political leaders rather than their qualifications or experience. This created a culture where loyalty to political figures was prioritized over professionalism, leading to widespread corruption and inefficiency within police departments.
• Discuss the implications of the close relationship between police departments and local politics during this era on community relations.
  • The close relationship between police departments and local politics during the Political Era led to significant implications for community relations. Police were often seen as enforcers of political agendas rather than protectors of public safety, fostering distrust between law enforcement and communities. This adversarial dynamic created challenges for effective policing, as community members felt alienated and less likely to cooperate with officers.
• Evaluate how the Political Era of Policing set the stage for reforms in law enforcement practices in subsequent years.
  • The Political Era of Policing set the stage for significant reforms by highlighting the need for professionalization within law enforcement. As public awareness grew regarding issues of corruption and inefficiency, reformers advocated for changes such as merit-based hiring, standardized training programs, and greater accountability measures. These efforts ultimately led to the development of the Professional Model of Policing in the early 20th century, which aimed to distance police work from political influences and focus on effective crime prevention strategies.

Related terms

Patronage: The practice of giving government jobs and contracts to political supporters, often leading to corruption and inefficiency within public services, including policing.

Professional Model of Policing: A policing approach that emerged in the early 20th century focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability, moving away from the political connections that defined the earlier era.

Community Policing: A policing strategy that emphasizes building positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, aiming to enhance public safety and trust.