NCJ Number
216734
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice: An International Journal Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: 2006 Pages: 569-578
Date Published
2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study retested the validity of James Q. Wilson’s 1968 theory of local political culture in explaining today’s policing environment.
Abstract
One of the most classic pieces of scholarship in policing is called into question. Wilson’s (1968) demonstration of the creative application of empirical methods to the development of theory in policing is routinely cited in textbooks and scholarly writings about police. However, it is argued that new research is needed to examine the effect of local political culture on contemporary policing in the United States. It notes that a theory which once could be relied upon to explain variation of police practices across local government jurisdictions can no longer serve that function. After identifying three styles of policing (legalistic, the watchman, and service), James Q. Wilson (1968) argued that the major determinant of variation in police behavior was the prevailing local political culture. However, several studies found varying degrees of support for the salience of Wilson’s categories and the utility of his theory linking political culture to styles of policing. Given Wilson’s influence, it was important to retest his theory using more contemporary data. The intent of this study was to reassess the utility of Wilson’s theory of local political culture in explaining today’s police organizational behavior. Table, references