Contemporary Challenges in Policing

Patrol officers still represent the front line of police service. They are the backbone of the Police Department. Quality law enforcement begins with dedicated men and women who are mentally and physically prepared, properly trained and, most importantly, supported by management. Since the founding of this country and up to the present, the agenda of the policing bodies have been clear: to uphold and enforce the laws of our society. Of course the way they …

…process that takes time and consistency. People trust the leader who demonstrates continuously that he/she respects the followers. Therefore, the leadership challenge becomes one of gaining respect of the line officers by giving these same officers respect, respect for their ideas, and observations. References: Drummond, D. (1976). Police culture. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Press Reuss-Ianni, E. (1983). Two Cultures of Policing. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Books Wilson, James Q. (1968). Dilemmas of police administration. Public Administration Review, 7(5).