NCJ Number
130312
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 22-35
Date Published
1991
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This assessment reviews American contributions to the field of comparative police studies, examines American comparative police literature in terms of macro and micro perspectives, and details the implications of these works for improvements in American policing.
Abstract
Major American works in comparative police studies are few; cross-cultural or cross-national studies are even rarer. The development of the comparative police field is examined through the opinions and views expressed in two landmark conferences, held in 1976 at the University of Denver and 1980 in the Netherlands, respectively. The individual theorists studied here include David Bayley and his work on the Indian police, the comparison of Japanese and American police behavior and police and social context; Raymond Fosdick; Sheldon Glueck; George Berkeley; and Paul Shane. This review shows that comparative police work in America is limited and characterized by many shortcomings. However, the macro perspective has been somewhat useful, and the pragmatic considerations of lessons learned from foreign police have not been overlooked by these theorists. 21 references