NCJ Number
37829
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (FALL 1976) Pages: 35-51
Date Published
1976
Length
17 pages
Annotation
IN THE DEMOCRATIC MODEL, THE HORIZONTAL DIFFERENTIATION OF POLICE FUNCTIONS PROVIDES THREE BASIC DIVISIONS OF LABOR OR COMPONENT SECTIONS: GENERAL SERVICES, SPECIALIZED SERVICES, AND COORDINATION AND INFORMATION.
Abstract
THIA ARTICLE DISCUSSES WAYS TO IMPROVE BOTH THIS MODEL AND ITS IMPACT. FOUR COURSES OF ACTION ARE SUGGESTED: FORMALLY ESTABLISHING A MORE SERVICE AND PREVENTION ORIENTED DEFINITION OF THE POLICE ROLE; CHARACTERIZING THE POLICE AS A HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY RATHER THAN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCY; INTEGRATING TEAM POLICE OFFICERS AND HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS IN COMMUNITY TEAMS ASSIGNED TO NEIGHBOHOODS, AND CENTRALIZING AND MERGING POLICE STAFF SERVICES WITH NON-POLICE GOVERNMENTAL STAFF SERVICES AT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR REGIONAL LEVEL. THE ANTICIPATED IMPACT OF THESE PROPOSALS WOULD BE TO FACILITATE LEGITIMIZATION OF POLICE PROVISION OF GENERAL SERVICES, POLICE PERFORMANCE OF MORE EFFECTIVE CRIME PREVENTION FUNCTIONS, AND POLICE INTERFACE WITH OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES WILL REQUIRE CULTIVATION OF BOTH CITIZEN AND POLICE SUPPORT. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED.