2.3 Key reforms and watershed moments in police history
4 min read•august 9, 2024
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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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
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 to address root causes of crime
O.W. Wilson's Reforms and Professionalization
, 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 ( of 1964, 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
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 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 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
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 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