Policing in America

In the field of law enforcement in the United States, it is essential to know the contemporary problems being faced and combine that knowledge with empirical research and theoretical reasoning to arrive at best practices and an understanding of policing. Policing in America, Eighth Edition, provides a thorough analysis of the key issues in policing today, and offers an issues-oriented discussion focusing on critical concerns such as personnel systems, organization and management, operations, discretion, use of force, culture and behavior, ethics and deviance, civil liability, and police-community relations. A critical assessment of police history and the role politics played in the development of American police institutions is also addressed, as well as globalization, terrorism, and homeland security.

This new edition not only offers updated research and examples, it also incorporates more ways for the reader to connect to the content through learning objectives, discussion questions, and "Myths and Realities of Policing" boxes. Video and Internet links provide additional coverage of important issues. With completely revised and updated chapters, Policing in America, Eighth Edition provides an up-to-date examination of what to expect as a police officer in America.

• In full color, including photographs and illustrations
• Video links provide additional coverage of topics discussed in the text
• Learning objectives, critical thinking questions, and review questions in every chapter help to reinforce key concepts
• Updated video links, figures, and “Myths and Realities of Policing? boxes provide important context
• Includes all-new content, such as further coverage of violent crime reduction programs, gangs, and drug use

Victor E. Kappeler, a former police officer, is a Foundation Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Justice Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. He is recognized as a leading scholar in such fields as policing, media, and the social construction of crime, and police civil liability, among other related fields. Dr. Kappeler continues to provide in-service training for police officers and is well published in professional areas of policing. Among many other honors, Kappeler received the 2006 Cabinet for Justice and Public Safety Award for Academic Excellence and the 2005 Outstanding Criminal Justice Alumnus Award from Sam Houston State University, where he earned his doctoral degree, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Criminology’s Division on Critical Criminology.

Larry K. Gaines is professor and chair of the Criminal Justice Department at California State University-San Bernardino. He served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police for 14 years and has consulted with a variety of police agencies in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, and California. Dr. Gaines has served as Secretary Treasurer and President of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He has received many awards, including the Founders Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the Outstanding Educator Award from the Southern Criminal Justice Association, and the Outstanding Service Award from the Police Section of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. In 2001, he served as a member of the California POST Committee that developed police training curricula for racial profiling.