NCJ Number
110205
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1987) Pages: 11-25
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Americans expect police to be responsive, effective, and efficient.
Abstract
A salient example of the effects of these expectations today concerns spouse abuse. While officers have historically considered it a private matter, recent developments have put pressure on them to treat it as a crime. As a result, many departments are considering or have adopted policies which make arrest their preferred response. These policies are part of a 20th century trend toward more centralized policing. Many officers view this trend as a threat to their discretion and to good police work. Thus, chiefs and communities cannot take officer compliance with arrest policies for granted. (Author abstract)