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Reading Assignment for Section 2.5
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 2.5: Styles of Policing
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll explore James Q. Wilson’s three styles of policing—Watchman, Legalistic, and Service—and learn how each approach shapes law enforcement strategies and practices. You’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of these styles, considering their suitability for different communities and challenges. Finally, you’ll analyze the role of police bureaucracies and quasi-military features in policing, as well as strategies for blending approaches to meet diverse community needs effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 2.5
- SLO 1: Explain James Q. Wilson’s three styles of policing—Watchman, Legalistic, and Service—and describe their key characteristics and historical development.
- SLO 2: Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each policing style and assess their suitability for different types of communities and law enforcement challenges.
- SLO 3: Evaluate the impact of quasi-military features in policing, including their influence on officer behavior, community relations, and perceptions of law enforcement.
- SLO 4: Discuss the role of police bureaucracies in supporting or hindering the implementation of various policing styles and suggest ways to improve efficiency and adaptability.
- SLO 5: Compare and contrast the three policing styles and propose strategies for integrating elements from different approaches to address diverse community needs effectively.
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Last Updated: 01/04/2025