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Not to put words in tptacek's mouth, but I believe that assertion was related to his subsequent point about the recent trend of officers moving from "the beat"
by ewoodrich 13y ago
Not to put words in tptacek's mouth, but I believe that assertion was related to his subsequent point about the recent trend of officers moving from "the beat" to patrol cars where they primarily respond to crimes. In the past, it was far more common for the bulk of the police force to spend time patrolling on foot and interacting with law abiding citizens and criminals alike.
Whereas now, except for certain exceptions such as in more "progressive" police forces or in downtown urban areas, most cops are somewhat detached from the public, except when responding to a crime.
- krakensden 13y ago> the recent trend of officers moving from "the beat" to patrol cars ... Isn't this a 30 year old complaint, at least?
- ewoodrich 13y agoTrue enough. Recent defined as <35 years. Which in US historical terms, is still not so long.
- vellum 13y agoThe LAPD started doing this in the 50s-60s, under Bill Parker. Parker's experience with the larger by per capita force of his early career led him to estimate that fewer but more professional officers would mean less corruption. Additionally, the strategy of changing the beat posture to one of mobility led to change from foot patrols to one which favored police cars. Not incidentally, this also furthered Parker's belief that isolating his officers from the streets would reduce opportunities for corruption. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Parker_(police_officer) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Parker_(police_offic...