NCJ Number
130021
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 32-35
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Europe differs greatly from North America in the origins and operations of its police forces due to historical changes caused by wars, revolutions, annexation, and subjugation.
Abstract
The 12 member countries of the European Community have developed in relative isolation until recent years. Each country has a separate history, legal system, and national identity. Many countries have 2- or 3-tier policing systems that appear to mirror the American system of Federal, provincial, and municipal police agencies. In most cases, however, Federal forces in Europe are military police acting on instructions from an interior ministry over local citizens. Police standards vary greatly from country to country. England and Wales, for example, have 47 police departments that receive a 51-percent grant from the central government toward their costs. The remaining 49 percent comes from local property taxes. Media coverage of crime in all countries has tended to undermine public confidence in the police. Nonetheless, police training is generally better than it has ever been. The organization and operation of the British police are detailed.