2.3 Key reforms and watershed moments in police history

Police reform has been a continuous process throughout American history. From the early 20th century to the present day, key moments and movements have shaped law enforcement practices and policies.

The civil rights era, technological advancements, and societal shifts have all influenced policing. These reforms reflect ongoing efforts to balance public safety with individual rights and address issues of accountability and community relations.

Early 20th Century Police Reforms

Wickersham Commission and Its Impact

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• Wickersham Commission established in 1929 by President Hoover to investigate law enforcement practices
• Produced comprehensive report on American criminal justice system in 1931
• Highlighted widespread police corruption and use of "third degree" interrogation techniques
• Recommended professionalizing police forces through improved training and education
• Led to reforms in police recruitment, training, and operational procedures
• Influenced development of modern policing standards and practices

Contributions of August Vollmer

• August Vollmer served as police chief in Berkeley, California from 1905 to 1932
• Pioneered use of scientific methods in criminal investigations (fingerprinting, blood analysis)
• Introduced police patrol cars to improve response times and coverage
• Advocated for higher education requirements for police officers
• Established first criminology program at University of California, Berkeley in 1916
• Promoted concept of preventive policing to address root causes of crime

O.W. Wilson's Reforms and Professionalization

• O.W. Wilson, student of Vollmer, became influential police reformer and scholar
• Authored textbook Police Administration in 1950, widely used in police training
• Promoted centralized organizational structure for police departments
• Advocated for merit-based hiring and promotion systems
• Introduced concept of preventive patrol to deter crime
• Emphasized importance of record-keeping and data analysis in policing
• Served as superintendent of Chicago Police Department from 1960 to 1967, implementing reforms

1960s: Civil Rights and Due Process

Miranda v. Arizona and Suspect Rights

• Landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1966
• Established requirement for police to inform suspects of their rights before custodial interrogation
• Miranda warnings include right to remain silent and right to an attorney
• Aimed to protect Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
• Led to significant changes in police interrogation practices
• Sparked ongoing debate about balance between law enforcement effectiveness and individual rights
• Resulted in standardized arrest procedures across United States

President's Commission on Law Enforcement

• Established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965
• Tasked with comprehensive review of criminal justice system
• Published report The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society in 1967
• Recommended modernizing police equipment and technology
• Advocated for improved police-community relations
• Proposed creation of national emergency number (911) for police, fire, and medical services
• Influenced development of criminal justice degree programs in universities

Impact of Civil Rights Movement on Policing

• Exposed racial discrimination and police brutality against African Americans
• Led to increased scrutiny of police practices and demands for accountability
• Resulted in diversification of police forces to better reflect community demographics
• Sparked reforms in use of force policies and training
• Influenced development of community policing strategies
• Raised awareness of need for cultural sensitivity in law enforcement
• Contributed to passage of civil rights legislation (Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965)

Late 20th Century: Community Policing and Challenges

Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

• COPS program established by Clinton administration in 1994
• Part of larger Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
• Provided federal funding to hire additional police officers nationwide
• Promoted implementation of community policing strategies
• Encouraged partnerships between police and community members
• Focused on problem-solving approaches to address root causes of crime
• Led to creation of neighborhood watch programs and citizen police academies

Rodney King Incident and Its Aftermath

• Rodney King beaten by LAPD officers during arrest in 1991, captured on video
• Acquittal of officers in 1992 sparked Los Angeles riots
• Exposed issues of police brutality and racial tensions in law enforcement
• Led to reforms in LAPD, including improved oversight and use of force policies
• Resulted in increased use of dashboard cameras in police vehicles
• Sparked national conversation about police accountability and racial profiling
• Influenced development of civilian review boards for police misconduct complaints

21st Century: Terrorism and Racial Justice

Impact of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on Policing

• Terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 dramatically shifted law enforcement priorities
• Led to creation of Department of Homeland Security in 2002
• Increased focus on counterterrorism and intelligence gathering for local police
• Resulted in enhanced information sharing between federal, state, and local agencies
• Introduced new technologies for surveillance and data analysis (facial recognition, license plate readers)
• Raised concerns about balance between security measures and civil liberties
• Led to development of specialized counterterrorism units within police departments

Black Lives Matter Movement and Police Reform

• Black Lives Matter movement emerged in 2013 following acquittal of George Zimmerman
• Gained national prominence after Ferguson protests in 2014
• Highlighted issues of police violence against Black Americans and racial disparities in justice system
• Called for reforms in police use of force policies and accountability measures
• Led to increased adoption of body-worn cameras by police departments
• Sparked renewed debate on militarization of police and need for de-escalation training
• Influenced policy changes (bans on chokeholds, duty to intervene policies)
• Resulted in some cities exploring alternative models of public safety and police funding