Deck 1: Police History

Question 1

How is the law enforcement system of the United States connected to England?

Answer 1

The American style of policing developed from the English model. Sir Robert Peel, who is generally credited with establishing the first English police department in 1829, set the groundwork for a publicly financed force of law enforcers. The Metropolitan Police Act established the London Metropolitan Police Department, which employed more than 1,000 officers. The department wore uniforms and was commanded by two commissioners, one with a prior military background and one with a law background. The control of the new police department was delegated to a home secretary who was a member of the democratically elected government.

Question 2

What was policing like during the early colonial period?

Answer 2

By the seventeenth century, the northern colonies started to institute a civil law enforcement system that closely replicated the English model. This was in response to the constant risk from foreign enemies, other colonists, and Native Americans. The watch was considered the first form of self-policing; the professional office of county sheriff was established to maintain order and peace, among other things. In cities, the town marshal was the top law enforcer.

Question 3

What were the major duties of urban police officers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries?

Answer 3

During the eighteenth century, the most common form of law enforcement was the system of constables in the daytime and the watch at night. The nineteenth century brought the first organized American police department, which was created in Boston in 1838. In addition to police duties, the officers were also charged with maintaining public health. The New York City Police Department, in addition to policing duties, was responsible for street sweeping. By the outbreak of the Civil War, Chicago, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Newark, and a number of other large cities had their own police departments. These new police departments replaced the night watch system, and as a result, constables and sheriffs were relieved of much of their patrol and investigative duties.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, urban police officers had many other duties besides law enforcement. These officers also cleaned the streets, inspected boilers, cared for the poor and homeless, operated emergency ambulances, and performed other social services. The primary job of the nineteenth-century police was to serve as the enforcement arm of the political party in power, protect private property, and control the rapidly arriving foreign immigrants. In the late 1800s, police work was a desirable job, as it paid more than most other blue-collar jobs; but citizens had a tremendous hatred for nineteenth-century police officers whom they viewed as political hacks. A tradition of police brutality developed out of this reciprocal disrespect.

Question 4

Explain the development of the twenty-first-century law enforcement agency.

Question 5

Explain the significance of the Wickersham Commission.

Question 6

Though policing is still experiencing much of the same political and budgetary constraints it's had in the past, policing has evolved and become more professional through time. It has also reorganized and reformed to address issues of the new millennium. For example, CompStat programs reengineered police management by using sophisticated computer maps and crime statistics to facilitate timely and targeted responses to crime problems. This program also promotes accountability by holding commanders responsible for any increases in crime and requiring them to present innovative solutions to address their precincts' crime problems.
This scenario focuses on the evolution of policing practices to combat crime.
Safetown is a densely populated, urban city with a large police department. Although the agency has always had a difficult relationship with the community, the recent shooting death of a young boy has greatly increased the level of tension between citizens and the police department. A community meeting has been scheduled with the police chief and the mayor to brainstorm solutions to prevent such incidents in the future. This scenario involves the use of CompStat to reduce crime.

-Which of the following is an important feature of CompStat?

A) weekly meetings
B) monthly meetings
C) daily meetings
D) bi-weekly meetings

Question 7

Though policing is still experiencing much of the same political and budgetary constraints it's had in the past, policing has evolved and become more professional through time. It has also reorganized and reformed to address issues of the new millennium. For example, CompStat programs reengineered police management by using sophisticated computer maps and crime statistics to facilitate timely and targeted responses to crime problems. This program also promotes accountability by holding commanders responsible for any increases in crime and requiring them to present innovative solutions to address their precincts' crime problems.
This scenario focuses on the evolution of policing practices to combat crime.
Safetown is a densely populated, urban city with a large police department. Although the agency has always had a difficult relationship with the community, the recent shooting death of a young boy has greatly increased the level of tension between citizens and the police department. A community meeting has been scheduled with the police chief and the mayor to brainstorm solutions to prevent such incidents in the future. This scenario involves the use of CompStat to reduce crime.

-In the CompStat model, who is held responsible for any increases in crime?

A) commanders
B) lieutenants
C) patrol officers
D) chiefs

Question 8

What Would You Do?
During the community meeting, several suggestions are made regarding ways in which crime, including shootings, can be prevented. Two suggestions seem particularly likely to be potential solutions to the issue: implementation of CompStat and the return of the beat system.
-As the police chief, how do you move forward with these suggestions?

Question 9

Now that you know you will not be able to implement both programs you can begin researching the best option between the two. Although cost is important, your main priorities are to reduce crime and to improve the relationship between the community and your department.
The mayor (your boss) contacts you, expressing concern over the possibility of community responses if another civilian is shot. The mayor demands that you implement a solution and is holding you personally accountable for the safety of the city. The mayor also reminds you that there is not enough money in the budget to implement both suggestions from the community meeting and wants you to ensure the best solution is put into place.

-What was one of the primary jobs of nineteenth-century police?

A) to serve as the enforcement arm of the political party in power
B) to serve and protect the community
C) to serve as professionals in policing
D) to serve as emergency ambulances

Question 10

Now that you know you will not be able to implement both programs you can begin researching the best option between the two. Although cost is important, your main priorities are to reduce crime and to improve the relationship between the community and your department.
The mayor (your boss) contacts you, expressing concern over the possibility of community responses if another civilian is shot. The mayor demands that you implement a solution and is holding you personally accountable for the safety of the city. The mayor also reminds you that there is not enough money in the budget to implement both suggestions from the community meeting and wants you to ensure the best solution is put into place.

-What organization became the leading voice of police reform during the first two decades of the twentieth century by consistently calling for the creation of a civil service police and for the removal of political influence and control over the police?

A) International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
B) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
C) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
D) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Question 11

What Would You Do?
The mayor (your boss) is putting a lot of political pressure on you to ensure that the best solution to prevent future shootings of civilians is implemented.
-What is your response to the mayor?

Question 12

Summary A
The CompStat program was created in New York to help fight crime. It could provide the information needed to prevent future shootings of citizens. Choosing to implement CompStat in the department also demonstrates commitment to solving the problem. Taking action is a step forward in assuring members of the community that the department takes this problem seriously and is implementing solutions. However, it may be difficult to find the funding to pay for the CompStat program.
To learn more about CompStat, see "American Policing: Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries."
Summary B
The beat system was created by Sir Robert Peel. Officers were stationed in small permanent posts. Use of this system in your community is a good first step in reducing crime and improving the departments' relationship with the citizens. As civilians and officers get to know each other better trust will develop. As trust with the officer's increases they will gain more information about the community and be better able to prevent crime. However, this closeness also opens up opportunities for abuse and thus more intensive level of monitoring the officers will be necessary.
To learn more about the best system, see "English Policing: Our Heritage."
Assigning a small group of officers to research the two programs will give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Costs and quality are both important considerations when deciding whether to implement CompStat, beat policing, or both.
A week later, your four police officers call you into a meeting to discuss the results of their research. They present you with a detailed budget and cost analysis and testimonials from the community, approving both the implementation of CompStat and the hiring of increased numbers of black officers.

-What was one of the primary jobs of nineteenth-century police?

A) to serve as the enforcement arm of the political party in power
B) to serve and protect the community
C) to serve as professionals in policing
D) to serve as emergency ambulances

Question 13

Summary A
The CompStat program was created in New York to help fight crime. It could provide the information needed to prevent future shootings of citizens. Choosing to implement CompStat in the department also demonstrates commitment to solving the problem. Taking action is a step forward in assuring members of the community that the department takes this problem seriously and is implementing solutions. However, it may be difficult to find the funding to pay for the CompStat program.
To learn more about CompStat, see "American Policing: Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries."
Summary B
The beat system was created by Sir Robert Peel. Officers were stationed in small permanent posts. Use of this system in your community is a good first step in reducing crime and improving the departments' relationship with the citizens. As civilians and officers get to know each other better trust will develop. As trust with the officer's increases they will gain more information about the community and be better able to prevent crime. However, this closeness also opens up opportunities for abuse and thus more intensive level of monitoring the officers will be necessary.
To learn more about the best system, see "English Policing: Our Heritage."
Assigning a small group of officers to research the two programs will give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Costs and quality are both important considerations when deciding whether to implement CompStat, beat policing, or both.
A week later, your four police officers call you into a meeting to discuss the results of their research. They present you with a detailed budget and cost analysis and testimonials from the community, approving both the implementation of CompStat and the hiring of increased numbers of black officers.

-What organization became the leading voice of police reform during the first two decades of the twentieth century by consistently calling for the creation of a civil service police and for the removal of political influence and control over the police?

A) International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
B) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
C) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
D) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Question 14

What Would You Do?
While the officers were collecting data and compiling their report, the mayor has been very vocal and has demanded you make a decision about the programs as quickly as possible. He has offered no financial support to help the department cover the cost of any changes. Your four police officers have conducted a lot of research, provided a cost analysis, and have produced several reports for you to view.
-What do you do?

Question 15

Which of the following was the primary means by which people ensured their safety prior to the creation of formal police departments?

A) hired assassins
B) reliance on the king or leader for protection
C) coming together to be collectively responsible for each other
D) designated volunteers who protected villages and families

Question 16

Which of the following strategies were used in early English history to address crime?

A) mutual pledge system
B) crime reporting
C) treasonous act
D) vigilantism

Question 17

The term cop was derived as a nickname for police officers because __________.

A) officers were required to wear copper stars on their hats and jackets
B) officers took liberties with goods and services
C) it was a term that referred to Peel's Bobbies
D) officers were more likely to confess if they acted inappropriately and to accept responsibility for their actions

Question 18

Sir Robert Peel originally organized the London police differently from previous forms of law enforcement. These differences included __________.

A) an informal horizontal structure
B) badges to be easily concealed
C) weapons to protect police officers from criminals
D) specific areas of responsibility (beats) for officers

Question 19

Police in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in the United States were ineffective and unpopular with the public because __________.

A) the public wanted what amounted to a standing army in its cities and towns
B) police officers were often used as a source of political patronage and corruption
C) police officers were overpaid for the work they performed
D) police officers tended to be overqualified for the job

Question 20

Which of the following problems was most troubling for police officers in American cities during the 1960s and 1970s?

A) economic success for most people
B) equal rights for women
C) racial harmony
D) Vietnam war protests

Question 21

Which of the following characterized the focus of American policing in the South during the Colonial period?

A) informally providing law enforcement in communities similar to that used in England
B) paying sheriffs each arrest
C) protecting the economy by enforcing slave codes
D) allowing officers to only arrest after a warrant had been issued

Question 22

In an attempt to understand the police reform of the twentieth century, which of the following persons was most noted for his work on the development of training of police officers?

A) August Vollmer
B) Robert Peel
C) James Q. Wilson
D) Theodore Roosevelt

Question 23

In examining the role of police officers during the early nineteenth century, which of the following best characterizes their duties and responsibilities?

A) crime fighting
B) a wide array of social services
C) firefighting
D) providing medical services

Question 24

In assessing the value of private policing on the frontier, most experts contend that private police officers were __________.

A) as effective as public police officers
B) not as effective as public police officers
C) more effective than public police officers
D) only moderately effective as public police officers

Question 25

Why was two-way radio an important part of the professionalism of police officers?

A) Two-way radio allowed officers to delay responding to instructions by supervisors.
B) Two-way radio enhanced officers' informal discussions.
C) Two-way radio improved community relations.
D) Two-way radio enhanced officers' ability to respond to calls for service.

Question 26

If a police officer searched a person's home without a warrant and didn't have the owner's permission, which Supreme Court case would the officer likely be violating?

A) Mapp v. Ohio
B) Gregg v. Georgia
C) Graham v. Connor
D) Brown v. Board of Education

Question 27

Which of the following contributed to the decreases in the crime rate during the 1980s and 1990s?

A) traditional patrol as a form of policing
B) victim-based policing
C) problem-focused policing
D) CompStat

Question 28

The aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, which initially exonerated the four police officers charged with excessive use of force, resulted in __________.

A) over $1 billion in property damage
B) improved race relations in Los Angeles
C) a dramatic reduction in crime
D) reductions in corruption by police officers

Question 29

Which of the following was the most important event following 9/11 by the federal government?

A) suspending some constitutional rights of citizens in an effort to provide enhanced safety in cities around the country
B) using the military to enhance the civilian police departments in cities across the country
C) employing military contractors to support police officers in "hot spot" areas
D) creating the Department of Homeland Security

Question 30

Imagine you are a police officer during a hurricane or natural disaster. Which of the following is the most important thing should you consider as a potential problem for police officers?

A) damage to property by looters and vandals
B) damage to police cruisers
C) damage to courthouse records
D) power outages for citizens

Question 31

In ancient Rome, which of the following groups was responsible initially for patrolling the streets at night and firefighting?

A) Praetorian Guard
B) Vigiles
C) Urban Cohorts
D) Provost

Question 32

What was significant about Henry Fielding's Bow Street Runners?

A) They were paid for using public funds.
B) They used innovative methods of tracking stolen items by collaborating with pawnbrokers.
C) They were experienced criminals themselves and understood what motivated offenders
D) Their ability to investigate and solve crimes and solve them distinguished them.

Question 33

You are a police consultant and are asked to design a program to decrease juvenile crime in a neighborhood by using volunteers, residents, and officers. What portion of Peel's Metropolitan police model would apply to this situation?

A) community policing
B) improved race relations
C) excessive use of force by officers
D) autonomy and distance from the public

Question 34

Historical documents about American police departments in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries showed police departments had __________.

A) a chronic problem of locating and hiring qualified personnel
B) solved the problem of corruption and brutality by officers
C) been given the responsibility for addressing population decreases
D solved the problem of crime in most communities

Question 35

In early police departments, what was common practice regarding recruits and new officers?

A) Police recruits received extensive training prior to being allowed to patrol.
B) There were strict qualification requirements for all recruits.
C) Officers on patrol had strict guidelines and little latitude to use their own discretion.
D) Little or no training existed for police recruits.

Question 36

Which of the following notorious criminals did the Pinkerton detectives NOT apprehend during the 1800s?

A) Butch Cassidy
B) the Sundance Kid
C) members of the James Gang
D) Wild Bill Hickok

Question 37

Imagine you are Sir Robert Peel and you have just been approved to create a police force in London in 1829. One of your biggest challenges will be __________.

A) keeping local politicians from meddling in your affairs
B) finding qualified personnel to hire who reflect your philosophy
C) finding the funds to pay salaries
D) advertising to the public

Question 38

The passage of the Volstead Act, more commonly known as Prohibition, __________.

A) did not impact the crime rate in the United States
B) was a widely popular law among the public
C) was a significant event in the development of organized crime in the United States
D) was responsible for the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous as a treatment model

Question 39

In the development of his approach to police administration, O. W. Wilson placed great emphasis on __________.

A) the use of technology
B) managerial efficiency
C) increased use of weaponry for officers
D) improved tactics to effect arrests