Introduction to Law Enforcement

With contributions by nine authors offering a diverse presentation, this volume is designed for a one-semester course in law enforcement and policing. Rather than addressing these topics from a linear perspective, it presents discussions regarding both private and public entities. Topics include contemporary crime trends, policing ethics, law enforcement history, the functions of modern law enforcement agencies, homeland security, and human resources. The book follows the path of a case from arrest through incarceration and post-release and presents issues related to local, state, regional, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Modern perspectives of law enforcement are both complex and diverse. They integrate management and statistical analysis functions, public and business administration functions, and applications of psychology, natural science, physical fitness, and marksmanship. They also assimilate theories of education, organizational behavior, economics, law and public policy, and many others. Modern law enforcement is a blend of both theoretical knowledge and applied practice that continuously changes through time.

With contributions by nine authors offering a diverse presentation, Introduction to Law Enforcement goes beyond the linear perspective found in most law enforcement texts and offers multiple perspectives and discussions regarding both private and public entities. Through this approach, readers gain an understanding of several dimensions of the subject matter.

Topics discussed include:

• Contemporary crime trends
• Policing ethics
• Law enforcement history
• The functions of modern law enforcement agencies
• Homeland security
• Public service
• Human resources
• The path of a case from arrest through incarceration and post-release
• Local, state, regional, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies
• Private enforcement organizations

Adaptable across a wide range of learning environments, the book uses a convenient format organized by agency type. Pedagogical features include learning objectives, case studies, and discussion questions to facilitate reader assimilation of the material. Comprehensive in scope, the text presents a robust consideration of the law enforcement domain.