Police Organization in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Despite some continuity with past forms and functions, police organization in the twentieth century has evolved in response to changes in technology, social organization, and political governance at all levels of society. Major developments in police organization have occurred in the areas of command organization and mobilization of patrol officers, the organization and work of patrol officers, and the access and use of information systems by all levels of personnel. While there have been some efforts to consolidate law enforcement, police organizations generally remain resistant to this goal. Bureaucratization of the police has produced numerous changes within departments and has been strongly influenced by changing conditions from outside of departments. Community-based and problem-oriented policing are reshaping the way in which some police organizations conduct their business. However, there is an equally strong focus by many departments directed at crime events and their control.