Chapter 1 Police History Learning Objectives 1. Explain the primary means of ensuring personal safety prior to the establishment of formal, organized police departments. 2. Discuss the influence of the English police experience on American policing. 3. Characterize the regional differences in American policing prior to the 20th century. 4. Describe how the turbulent times of the 1960’s and 1970’s influenced American policing. 5. Identify at least four events or people instrumental in the development of 20th-century American policing, and describe their influence.
Lesson Plan Correlated to PowerPoints 2
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I.
Introduction A. The word police came from the Latin word politia, which means “civil administration.” Etymologically, the police can be seen as those involved in the administration of a city. B. The police represent the civil power of government, rather than the military power of government.
II.
Early Police
Learning Objective 1: Explain the primary means of ensuring personal safety prior to the establishment of formal, organized police departments. A. Praetorian Guard, which could be considered the first police officers B. Vigiles began as firefighters and were eventually also given law enforcement responsibilities, patrolling Rome’s streets day and night. C. The concept of preserving the peace and enforcing the law has moved from primitive forms like the watch and ward to highly organized, professional police departments. The history of policing has included brutality, corruption, incompetence, innovation, research, heroism, and professionalism. D. Around the first century B.C.E., special, highly qualified members of the military formed the Praetorian Guard and could be considered the first police officers. Their job was to protect the palace and the emperor. III.
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English Policing: Our Heritage
Learning Objective 2: Discuss the influence of the English police experience on American policing. 1