Reading Assignment for Section 1.4

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1.4: The Political Era

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll examine the emergence of modern police forces in the United States and how local politics shaped their structures and practices. You’ll learn about the challenges of police misconduct and corruption during the Political Era, as well as early reform efforts to address these issues. Finally, you’ll explore the diverse roles officers played, from crime prevention to community services, and consider their impact on public perceptions of law enforcement.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1.4

• SLO 1: Describe the development of the first modern police forces in the United States and explain the influence of local political control on early policing structures.
• SLO 2: Analyze the impact of political influence on hiring, training, and supervision practices in early American police departments.
• SLO 3: Evaluate the challenges of police misconduct and corruption during the Political Era, including the findings of the Lexow Commission.
• SLO 4: Discuss the multiple roles performed by early police officers, including non-crime-related duties, and assess how these roles influenced public perception of law enforcement.
• SLO 5: Explain the effects of limited oversight and accountability on early policing practices and assess the importance of supervision and reform in modern policing.