Thinking Critically Questions Chapter Five

Law Enforcement Authority Why do you think it is important that law enforcement agencies have limited authority?

Politics and Policing Historically, how did politics affect policing? (prior to 1920s) Do you think politics Has an influence on policing today? If so, in what way? What were August Vollmer’s views on politics and policing?

The Role of the Police How has the role of police changed over time? What do you perceive as the primary role of police today? Explain.

Community Policing What is community policing? What do you think are the benefits of community policing? Why?

Homeland Security How vulnerable do you think the United States is to terrorism? How do you perceive the Department of Homeland Security? Explain.

Law Enforcement What do you think are the pros and cons of working at the local, state, and federal levels of law enforcement? What do you think are the pros and cons of private security in America?

Professional Model of Policing In your opinion, what key ingredients of the professional model have had the most effect on police department in the U.S.? What role do you see the police having in the next ten years?