Learning Objectives

As a result of reading this chapter, you will be able to

  • Explain the kinds of topics that are taught in the recruit academy and overall methods for preparing recruits for a career in policing
  • Describe the ideal traits typically sought among people who are hired into policing, and explain what is meant by a police working personality, including how it is developed and how it operates
  • Describe the several basic tasks and distinctive styles of patrol
  • Identify potential stressors and perils in policing
  • Define police discretion, how and why it is allowed to function, and some of its advantages and disadvantages
  • Explain the current era of policing, the community era, and the prevailing philosophy and strategies of community policing and problem solving
  • Define forensics and criminalistics, and describe the investigative process
  • Review how crime scenes and criminal interrogations should be handled
  • Review the qualities, myths, and methods that involve investigative personnel