Essay on Inception of Police Administration

Essay on Inception of Police Administration

Introduction

Whenever one talks about police administration in the United States of America, the basic fact is that it has certain guidelines. Just like other field, the administration of police has its development curved upon certain periods. The development of police administration concentrates on influences of the political era, community as well as professional eras. In respect to these influences, one can say that the development of police administration attaches to social, legal as well as political context (Cordner 21). On the other hand, one needs to consider the influences of democracy on police administration.

In line with democracy, other influences may have effects in attaining complete control of the system. Such challenges therefore, may include influences related to homeland security as well as influence of the community on administration. The paper digs further into giving an explanation on the nature of police work. It illustrates the evolution of police work, management implications as well as social influences. On the other hand, there is a need to consider the goals of the police system, its purpose in the society as well as the organization of the system. Other aspects of consideration include the structures, processes and strategies of administration of the police system. Additionally one cannot ignore the humanistic aspects of the Administration of the police (Cordner 5). Further, the strategic perspective of the Unit is of great significance.

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Development of Police Administration

The inception of police administration came after the development of organized policing. It was in the year 1829 that organized policing became a phenomenon. A period when the civilian population organized themselves to police communities and others volunteered (Cordner 32). At this time, policing activities involved volunteers, night watchmen, soldiers, ordinary citizens as well as private merchant police. However, it became apparent that such acts would not solve crime rates at the period. With an upsurge of crime within the regions, police administration had to be the law. Therefore, during the same period the Metropolitan Act became law (Cordner 4).

This law started operation as English law despite various arguments and debate on enforcement. However, nobody was prepared to handle the spiraling crime caused by industrial evolution. To maximize on the administration of police activities certain principles came into operation. Such principles of the time ensure that police organization runs concurrent to military units. The police department needed to ensure that they employ proper persons. Such persons had to receive proper training. Another important principle concentrates on employing police officers on a probationary basis. Other principle according to Peel necessitates that police officers deployment need to be on its strength and issues at hand. Further police departments need to have good record keeping policies as well as have a central headquarter(Cordner 5).

Political Era

Politics ultimately had an influence on police administration. Therefore, the adoption of Peel’s principles became a hurdle in the management of police functions. Political figure at the period viewed police tasks as undemanding. This view prevented the police force from reaching its goals. With such influences, police officers’ compensation was far below Middle class citizens for a long period. Because of such low pay, police duties became a field of few individuals; left for those whose prospects of employment on other sectors were less. It is also imperative to note that politics had an influence on police administration (Cordner 6).

During these periods, police duties were set aside for certain ethnic groups of individuals. Politicians had a role to play on the recruitment as well as management of police duties. Therefore, police employment based on merit but on other grounds. During the political era on the development of police administration, decentralized system of administration became a feature (Cordner 7). With such a system, police officers were answerable to certain captains. Some officers had been inducted into political clubs whereas ignoring politician’s request could lead to dismissal. On the other hand, during this period, local politicians had an influence in the deployment of Captains. A local politician would pick a Captain who would be responsive to their orders.

Professional Era

Since the inception of police administration, there has been various complains on their inefficiency and abuses. Therefore, come the twentieth century Professionalism became an imp