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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper examines the past, present and future of policing. Community policing is discussed in contrast with the paramilitaristic structures that some departments embrace. Is the bureaucratic structure best, or should police academies loosen up to appease the community? Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA546PD.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
it is hierarchical, bureaucratic, and paramilitary in nature (Bittner, 1970; Cordner, 1978; Franz & Jones, 1987; Jermier & Berkes, 1979; McNamara, 1967 as cited in Schafer, 2001).
At least, one might say that the organizations are semi-militaristic in design. They are also similar in terms of structure. Despite the fact that police forces are not connected
through the nation-they are local entities-they each contain certain similar protocols. The officers wear uniforms, carry guns, work in a hierarchal organization and embrace certain strict rules. There is little
flexibility or leniency in policing, though officers do have some discretion. At least, they do have to follow the law and if they stray, there is a right and wrong
answer. Police officers are not creative directors or producers. They follow the rules to the letter of the law. This is very much the same as the militaristic view that
all rules are to be taken as law, and a superior officer is always right. The same type of setting is found in police stations across America. Yet, some settings
are more lenient than others as community policing becomes more popular. How does the organizational structure impact the organizational culture? In some way, the hierarchical structure creates a culture
on one hand, of perfection or at least an aim towards perfection, but on the other, it creates an atmosphere of unease. Many are aware that those in the military
must make their beds perfectly, with no bit of blanket wrinkled. The gun must be cleaned just as well, and any stray from the requirement will likely lead to ridicule
or punishment. While in some way, an organization entrenched in perfection is good, there is a drawback: police brutality. It seems that there is a backlash against the powers that
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