Introduction to Policing

Written and updated by an author team of former and current law enforcement officers, the fourth edition of Introduction to Policing focuses on the thought-provoking, contemporary issues that underscore the challenging and rewarding world of policing. This book balances research and practice to give students a comprehensive yet concise overview of both the foundations of policing and the expanded role of today’s police officers that they can understand and apply. The accessible and engaging writing style and stories from the field make this a resource students want to read. Coupled with unique coverage of the issues of policing in multicultural communities, the impact of technology on policing, and extensive coverage of policing strategies and procedures, such as use of force, this book is a must-have for policing courses.

Features and Benefits:

• Written and updated by an author team of former and current law enforcement officers
• You Decide boxes invite critical thinking by persenting realistic dilemmas in policing and ask students to propose possible solutions.
• Case in Point boxes use current events to illustrate one or more of each chapter’s major issues.
• Exhibit boxes provide concrete examples to help students make real-world connections.
• Police Stories boxes feature the experiences of current and previous law enforcement officers to show students how these concepts play out in the field
• Study aids include learning objectives, key terms, chapter summaries, discussion questions, and web exercises
• A comprehensive online ancillary package includes a password-protected Instructors’ Resources Site, an open-access Student Study Site, an interactive ebook, and original SAGE video

New to This Edition

• Updated chapter content includes several major new or ongoing historical events and social trends, most notably recent high profile police misconduct cases, social media, the political shift in the country marked by the presidential election of 2016, and police use of force on unarmed civilians.
• Increased coverage of women and minorities in law enforcement, with special consideration of recruitment and opportunities for promotion.
• Research, statistics, and data have been updated, wherever possible, to provide an accurate snapshot of policing today.
• Eight new Police Stories have been added to include a wider range of officer voices. 
• Ten new Case in Point boxes have been added to highlight recent events, such as reform efforts in the Baltimore Police Department, an officer’s response to the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting, and a private security company’s alleged harsh treatment of protesters at the Dakota Access Pipeline.
• Four new You Decide boxes present students with timely scenarios to concern, such as the First Amendment rights of demonstrators and Automated License Plate Readers and privacy. Several more You Decide boxes were updated with current information and statistics.