ROLE OF POLICE IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIETAL CHANGE: KOREAN AND AMERICAN EXAMPLES

• NCJ Number: 145992
• Journal: Police Studies Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1993) Pages: 84-89
• Author(s): V J Hoffman
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: The article was developed from a paper presented by the author at the International Conference on Dynamic Transformation of Societies, October 10, 1991, Seoul, Korea.

Annotation

The author investigates and compares Korean and America how police in view their role in urban development.

Abstract

Police officials in New York City and Seoul were interviewed. Due to their continual contact with citizens, all felt that they knew more about issues related to urban development than did many of the city government officials with whom they interacted. Yet, police are rarely asked for their input, and are not trained to think of their function as such. Police training emphasizes law enforcement, not social reform. Police in each of the two countries can learn from the other. In Korea, which is homogeneous and communal, the police structure is national and community mobilization is relatively easy. In the United States, which is heterogeneous and individualistic, the police structure is decentralized and encourages personal development in life operations. 14 references