NCJ Number
36864
Journal
THEORY AND SOCIETY Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (SPRING 1976) Pages: 89-117
Date Published
1976
Length
28 pages
Annotation
THIS ESSAY PROPOSES A POLITICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE ROLE OF LOCAL PUBLIC POLICE IN THE UNITED STATES, PAST AND PRESENT.
Abstract
ITS THEME IS THAT LOCAL PUBLIC POLICE SERVE AS A VEHICLE FOR THE EXPRESSION OF WORKING CLASS VIEWPOINTS, PREOCCUPATIONS, AND INTERESTS, STANDING IN CONTRADICTION TO THE REST OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (COURTS, EXTRA-LOCAL PUBLIC POLICE, PRIVATE POLICE). A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS SHOWS HOW LOCAL PUBLIC POLICE RESPONDED CLOSELY TO BLUE-COLLAR COMMUNITIES, TYPICALLY DECLINING TO ENFORCE VICE LAWS, HANDLE MAJOR PROPERTY CRIME, OR POLICE LABOR ORGANIZING ACTIVITIES. THE CONTEMPORARY TRENDS OF HEAVY PATROL OF BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS AND HIGH ARREST RATES FOR BLACKS ARE CITED AS MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HISTORICAL CONTINUITY OF SERVICE TO WORKING CLASS INTERESTS. THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT THIS 'TAKING CARE OF LABOR' HAS CHANGED FROM A HISTORICALLY PROGRESSIVE ASPECT OF URBAN LIFE TO THE REGRESSIVE TENDENCY TOWARD CONSTRAINING THE SOCIAL HORIZON OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY. HE SPECULATES ON THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN POLICE WORK AND CALLS FOR THE REORIENTATION OF CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)