The Police in America: An Introduction

by Samuel E. Walker, Charles M. Katz

Descriptive and analytical, the text is designed to offer undergraduate students a balanced and up-to-date overview of who the police are and what they do, the problems related to policing, and the many reforms and innovations that have been attempted. Divided into four parts, The Police in America begins with a compelling analysis of the foundation of law enforcement, including the underlying purpose of police in society, the history of American police, as well as the contemporary law enforcement industry. It goes on to cover everything from the critical role of the beat cop and the fundamental problems in policing to the career path of police officers and a level-by-level overview of police organizations. Using timely articles and excerpts, the author takes readers beyond the headlines and statistics, to present a comprehensive and contemporary overview of what it means to be a police officer. The book is designed primarily for undergraduate students enrolled in their first course on the police or law enforcement. It is not a police management text, or a book on criminal procedure.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Textbooks, Social Justice, American History, Education

512 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1983

About the author

Samuel Walker is Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, where he taught for 31 years before retiring in 2005. He is the author of 13 books on policing, criminal justice history and policy, and civil liberties. His current research involves police accountability, focusing primarily on citizen oversight of the police and police Early Intervention Systems (EIS). Originally trained as a historian, he is completing a book on U.S. presidents and civil liberties. His personal website, with information on police accountability is: http: //samuelwalker.net.

Reviews

[Israel]

An initial place to start. Overview from mostly and non-marginalized perspective. Future readings can be specific and with a different lens.

[frogfairie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars
It's actually very informative so if you're into this kind of thing you'll probably give it more stars. I read it for a class.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

God awful professor, but I did read the entire thing and passed the class, so I'm not going to complain too much