February 26

First session

4pm in L166

We begin with the history of American police. Starting with Sir Robert Peel in London and progressing through today's community policing methods, we will examine the evolution of police in American society and the role of politics in that evolution. We will also examine the role of crime control as a plank in presidential elections. We will discuss the ever present media pressure on mayors and police chiefs, when high profile crimes occur. Finally we will ask what the proper level of political influence on policing should be.