Clearance rate
the percentage rate of crimes known to the police that they believe they have solved through an arrest; a statistic used to measure a police department's productivity
Community policing
Assigning police to neighborhoods where they walk the beat and work with churches and other community groups to reduce crime and improve relations with minorities.
Full enforcement
practice in which the police make an arrest for every violation of law that comes to there attention. VERY unpractical
patrol
the activity of going around or through an area at regular intervals for security purposes
peacekeeping role
the legitimate right of police to use force in situations in which urgency requires it
police cynicism
The suspicion that citizens are weak, corrupt, and dangerous. This outlook is the result of a police officer being constantly exposed to civilians at their worst and can negatively affect the officer's performance.
police discretion
the fact that police can choose when and when not to give tickets and punishment based on their own judgement
police subculture
The values and perceptions that are shared by members of a police department and, to a certain extent, by all law enforcement agents. These values and perceptions are shaped by the unique and isolated existence of the police officer.
working personality
A set of emotional and behavioral characteristics developed by members of an occupational group in response to the work situation and environmental influences
Bow Street Runners
In 1750, Henry Fielding established a small group of volunteers, non-uniformed home owners to "take thieves." These Londoners hurried to the scene of reported crimes and began investigations, becoming the first modern detective force.
Department of Homeland Security
US federal agency created in 2002 to coordinate national efforts against terrorism
Federal Air Marshals
a team of armed commandos who travel incognito on planes to watch for hijackers and other terrorists
Federal Bureau of Investigation
a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice
Henry Fielding
English writer; best-known work is The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
Interpol
an international intelligence agency permitting collaboration among intelligence agencies around the world
mutual pledge
Alfred the Great's system of internal policing that organized people into tithings, hundreds and shires.
posse comitatus
a temporary police force that could be made up of "all able-bodied men"; a sheriff would be able to get normal citizens to help with making arrests & keeping the peace.
Texas Rangers
Sam Houston came to rely on this group for defense of the frontier after experiencing issues with the army
thief-takers
citizens who receive a reward for the apprehension of a criminal
vigilante justice
taking law enforcement into one's own hands apart from duly established legal authority; justice meted out by member of a vigilante committee