Policing America: Challenges and Best Practices

by Kenneth J. Peak

Taking a new direction and emphasis, this edition of Policing America offers a problem-solving approach and emphasizes what is actually working in the field. Based on the author’s over thirty five years of experience, the book offers complete coverage of traditional policing topics, a concise view of the reorganized federal law enforcement system, and coverage of topics such as homeland security, community policing, investigations, accountability, patrol and technologies. This edition features two new problem-solving chapters, an new problem-solving appendix and over thirty case-study exhibits that reinforce what works to attack such problems as terrorism, gangs, and crimes involving drugs, hate, and youth. For those involved/interested in General Policing, Community Policing, and Policing Issues.

497 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2008

Reviews

[Maddy M-N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty informational. Almost too informational.

[JoJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a criminal justice student or have an interest in embarking in a career in law enforcement, I highly recommend this book. It is well organized and structured; none of the sloppy editing you tend to find in university level textbooks sometimes when publishers scramble to release a new edition.

The material is well balanced and easy to understand even if you don't have previous criminal justice or law enforcement background. One of the issues that is controversial in some circles is the idea of whether higher education should be a requirement to enter law enforcement. Arguments against higher education often take the stance of something along the lines like "nothing you learn in school you use on the job, and the material is written by people who don't understand what it's like to be a cop". Both authors have strong academic backgrounds, but Dr. Kenneth Peak did actually work as a municipal police officer, so in this instance, that argument would be nullified.

A lot of material explaining constitutional amendments are included, and I think it would be helpful for aspiring law enforcement officers to learn the sections on the rule of law and civil liabilities. Everything in this book is helpful, it explains a lot of things that any citizen should know. For example the use of force continuum and the dynamic resistance response model gives an idea how law enforcement is trained to react in various situations.

There is a lot of information on landmark Supreme Court cases and how they have impacted due process. It is always good to know your rights. As a civilian, I would still recommend invoking your 5th Amendment rights and not say a word if you ever find yourself in a compromising situation with a police officer; however knowing your rights will help you when you have the need to explain to your attorney later.

Book is a little pricey in print, as with all college textbooks, but I will likely buy an older edition to keep for reference for future criminal justice courses. I'm still old school and I don't like reading textbooks on my computer screen or kindle.