KoIn this course we have been learning about the different eras of policing, from the inception of the first police force in 1998 to the current era of policing today. Based on the current climate, there is a level of distrust today between the police and the public. Riots, marches, and protests in response to highprofile police shootings have eroded the relationships that were built through community policing. With the hopes of improving police efficiency and finding new approaches to working together with the public, the country is again ready for a new era of policing. Use the Internet and your textbook to research the different eras of policing up until today. Based on the role and function of police officers changing over the years, address the questions below relative to the current state of policing and where we are headed in the future. As an optional component of this assignment for extra credit, you may also interview a law enforcement professional to get his/her explanation on this topic. Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you: Examine at least (2) of the eras of policing and discuss their main strengths and weaknesses.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Evolution of Policing: An Examination of Historical Eras and Their Impact on Current Law Enforcement
Introduction
The history of policing in the United States is characterized by several distinct eras, each shaped by the social, political, and economic context of its time. From the inception of the first organized police force in the 19th century to the present, these eras have influenced the role and function of police officers in society. As we navigate through a climate of distrust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, it is crucial to examine prior eras of policing to identify lessons learned and pathways forward. This paper will explore the Political Era and the Community Policing Era, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, and implications for contemporary policing.
The Political Era (1840s-1930s)
Strengths
The Political Era, which spanned from the 1840s to the 1930s, was characterized by close ties between police departments and local political leaders. This era’s primary strength was its ability to maintain public order in rapidly growing urban areas. The police were often seen as an extension of city government, which allowed them to quickly respond to the needs of the community.
Additionally, the Political Era facilitated early forms of community engagement, as officers were familiar figures in neighborhoods. This familiarity helped build a sense of community safety in localized settings. Officers often knew residents personally, which could foster trust and communication between law enforcement and citizens.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, the Political Era also had significant weaknesses. The close relationship between police and political entities often resulted in corruption and nepotism within police forces. Officers were frequently hired based on political connections rather than merit, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of professionalism in policing.
Moreover, policing during this era was often reactive rather than proactive. Police focused primarily on enforcing laws without engaging in community-oriented strategies. This limited their ability to address underlying social issues, such as crime prevention and community well-being. The result was a growing divide between police and marginalized communities, which would lead to civil unrest and calls for reform in subsequent decades.
The Community Policing Era (1970s-Present)
Strengths
Emerging in response to the shortcomings of the Political Era and amid social upheaval in the 1960s and 1970s, the Community Policing Era emphasized collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. A major strength of this approach is its focus on building trust and fostering positive relationships with community members. Police departments began implementing strategies that encouraged active citizen participation in crime prevention, problem-solving, and community engagement.
This era also brought about a significant shift towards proactive policing strategies. Officers were encouraged to engage with community members regularly and work collaboratively to identify and address local issues. This paradigm shift helped reduce crime rates in many areas, as communities became more invested in their safety and well-being.
Weaknesses
However, the Community Policing Era has not been without its challenges. While many departments successfully adopted community policing principles, others struggled with implementation and consistency. In some instances, officers continued to operate within traditional policing frameworks that emphasized enforcement over engagement.
Additionally, disparities in training and resource allocation have impacted the effectiveness of community policing initiatives. In many areas, particularly those with limited budgets or high crime rates, community policing efforts have been undermined by a lack of support or commitment from leadership. This inconsistency has contributed to ongoing tensions and distrust between police and certain communities.
Current State of Policing
Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads in policing history. The events surrounding high-profile police shootings have catalyzed nationwide protests and calls for reform. The trust that was built through community policing efforts is now overshadowed by systemic issues such as racial profiling, use-of-force policies, and accountability measures.
To address these challenges, contemporary policing must adapt once again. Embracing transparency, accountability, and restorative justice practices can help rebuild relationships with communities. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies should prioritize training that focuses on de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, and mental health awareness.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The evolution of policing offers valuable insights into current challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of both the Political Era and Community Policing Era, we can identify actionable steps toward a more effective and equitable policing model.
As we look to the future, it is essential that police departments remain committed to open dialogue with communities they serve. Engaging citizens as partners in public safety can help foster understanding and collaboration while addressing deep-rooted issues that have historically plagued relations between law enforcement and the public. Ultimately, a new era of policing must emerge—one that prioritizes community engagement, transparency, and accountability—ensuring that public safety is achieved through mutual respect and cooperation.
References
1. Goldstein, H. (1990). Problem-Oriented Policing. New York: McGraw-Hill.
2. Kelling, G. L., & Moore, M. H. (1988). “The Evolving Strategy of Policing.” In Perspectives on Policing, eds., National Institute of Justice.
3. Walker, S., & Katz, C. M. (2018). The Police in America: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
4. President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing (2015). Final Report.
This paper explores two significant eras of policing while addressing their strengths and weaknesses to understand current challenges and prospective solutions for law enforcement in today’s society.
