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6: Policing and Policed Community

  • Page ID
    15899
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    Learning Objectives

    • Identify the issues and importance of law enforcement department hiring a diverse police force.
    • Explain how a diverse police force provides improved understanding of different cultures and better relations with the community they serve.
    • Be able to explain the issues of racial profiling.
    • Identify how community policing can improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community

    • 6.1: Ethnic, Racial and Minority Issues within the Workforce of a Law Enforcement Agency
      This page discusses the evolution of policing since 1829, highlighting the transition through different eras: the political era, the reform era, and the current community era. It notes the historical exclusion of minorities in policing and the challenges faced by communities of color, which often felt unprotected.
    • 6.2: Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion of a Diverse Work Force
      This page emphasizes the importance of effective recruitment and selection in law enforcement to enhance community relations and reduce violence. It advocates for diversity in candidate demographics, educational backgrounds, and psychological fitness. Additionally, it suggests that recruitment strategies should evolve to attract a broader range of applicants, while selection processes must rigorously evaluate candidates based on educational and psychological criteria.
    • 6.3: Police Knowledge of Cultural Groups
      This page discusses the tragic death of Jonathan Ferrell, emphasizing the complex relationships between law enforcement and diverse communities. It raises concerns about racial bias and the assumptions from both citizens and officers. Cultural competency is deemed essential for effective policing, promoting sensitivity to various cultures.
    • 6.4: Racial Profiling
      This page discusses the challenges police face in diverse, democratic societies, particularly the tension between law enforcement and maintaining racial and ethnic peace. Racial profiling can undermine community trust and create resentment among minorities. While reforms aim to address discrimination, they cannot fully eliminate bias. Effective solutions necessitate open communication between police and communities, balancing civil rights with strategic crime prevention.
    • 6.5: Community- Based Policing Plans
      This page discusses community policing, which promotes collaboration between law enforcement and citizens to improve public safety and problem-solving. It highlights the importance of proactive engagement, community awareness, and shared responsibility in crime prevention. The strategy aims to reduce crime, alleviate fear, and enhance community satisfaction, leading to improved safety and relationships between residents and police.


    This page titled 6: Policing and Policed Community was last modified on Sun, 30 Aug 2026 08:53:24 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Dave Wymore and Tabitha Raber.