Principles of Policing

Paper Summary:

The paper explains how Sir Robert Peel ushered in modern policing by establishing an ethical system for the police. The paper explains that while there have been significant changes in police work since Peel's time, his principles remain the foundation for modern police ethical systems. The paper identifies the nine principles, which include the primary function of police, public approval of police actions, the public in voluntary observance of the law and how physical force lessens public co-operation. The principles also discuss impartial service to the law, inappropriate use of physical force, how police are not separate from the public but part of the public, separation of the police and judiciary and finally, the test of police efficiency. The paper concludes that these principles continue to guide the actions of modern law enforcement agencies.

From the Paper:

"Peel's first principle states: "the basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder." (New Westminster Police Service, 2006). The primary function of police today continues to be the prevention of crime. The successful resolution of unsolved crimes can aid in crime prevention, because most crimes are committed by recidivists. Therefore, the fact that modern police spend much of their time solving crimes does not detract from the fact that the basic mission of the police is crime prevention."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Citizen Corps. (2006). Neighborhood watch program. Retrieved August 4, 2006 from Citizen CorpsWeb site: http://www.citizencorps.gov/programs/watch.shtm
• Mount, S. (2006). The Miranda warning. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from The U.S. Constitution OnlineWeb site: http://www.usconstitution.net/miranda.html
• New Westminster Police Service. (2006). Sir Robert Peel, the founder of modern policing. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from the New Westminster Police ServiceWeb site: http://www.newwestpolice.org/peel.html
• Reith, C. (1948). A short history of the British police. London: Oxford University Press.
• Saulny, S. (2006, June 20). Crime raising, New Orleans asks for National Guard. New York Times. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from New York Times OnlineWeb site: http://select.nytimes.com/search/restricted/article?res=F70B1FFA35550C738EDDAF0894DE404482

More papers on Principles of Policing:

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• Term Paper # 145060 : "The Police-Community Relationship"

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