NCJ Number
83599
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1981) Pages: 9-20
Date Published
1981
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The police role in a society of changing and divergent moral values is discussed.
Abstract
A breakdown in absolute definitions of morality places strain on all social control agents, especially the police. Policing practices have traditionally relied on (1) informal mechanisms of control (guilt, ridicule, shame, loyalty, and ostracism), (2) the assumption that most people will believe in 'right' ways of behaving, and (3) myths that encourage people to be lawabiding. These influences can no longer be taken for granted by the police. In such a climate, the police must face the possibility that only increased force and repression can produce conformity to traditional notions of social order. Society is at a crossroads in determining social control policy. Society may choose to enforce rigid notions of absolutist morality, knowing that it will require increased force and the application of sanctions, or the loosening of moral codes to permit the expression of divergent and conflicting lifestyles. If the former policy is adopted, the police will be the enforcers of many unpopular laws (sexual and drug use behavior of adults, for example) so that alienation between the police and large segments of the population increases. Under the latter policy, the police will be helpless to deal authoritatively with conduct that may cause serious harm to individuals and society. Under either policy, the police will receive criticism. A total of 53 notes are listed.