CMRJ302

150 WORDS AGREE OR DISAGREE

The history of law enforcement is very important because that is how one learns from its mistakes. The first form of modern policing started with Sir Robert Peel, he may have had it right since the early 1800’s, he is often thought of as the father of community policing. Peel understood the importance of community policing and he wrote his 9 principles of policing in the early 1800’s. It can be found in his second principle that states: “The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police existence, actions, behavior and the ability of the police to secure and maintain public respect” (Lewis, 2011).  Community policing is important because it involves the community and it retains their respect for law enforcement officers.  Without community involvement, officers would most likely only be viewed in a negative way. Community policing is a relatively new concept in the United States and with all new things there will be some issues but it is stated that community oriented policing is in fact the most effective post-modern model of policing (Ponsaers, 2001). 
Community policing is a policy and a strategy aimed at increasing the publics respect for law enforcement. This is done by interacting with the community outside of the normal calls of service and this allows police officers to be more effective at their job by gaining the respect and understanding of their community.  By improving relationships, law enforcement officers and the community have better outcomes when it comes to crime and law breakers (Ponsaers, 2001). Principles such as community policing and other policies are associated with improving the publics respect and trust which date back to the beginning of organized law enforcement in the early 1800’s.  
The future of policing is heading down a more technological path. Body cams and facial recognition are already being used to keep police and in some cases the victims safe.  Training for police officers will change as well with how they inter act with suspects and how to more effectively deal with stressful situations.  Showing the public that law enforcement agencies are adapting and growing to meet the demands of themselves will in turn gain the trust and respect of the community, which in turn will help with keeping the public safe. 
Lewis, M. A. (2011). Peel’s legacy. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 80(12), 8-11. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/docview/906660281?accountid=8289
Ponsaers, P. (2001). Reading about “community (oriented) policing” and police models. 
Policing, 24(4), 470-496. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/docview/211263509?accountid=8289