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

1. Explain the kinds of topics that are taught in the recruit academy and overall methods for preparing recruits for a career in policing
2. Explain the roles, styles, four basic tasks, and dangers of policing
3. Define police discretion, how and why it functions, and some of its advantages and disadvantages
4. Explain the current era of policing, the community era, and the prevailing philosophy and strategies of community policing and problem solving
5. Review the use of force by the police, the current state of police-community relations regarding such force, and the distinction between police being viewed as guardians versus soldiers
6. Define forensics and criminalistics, and describe the qualities and methods of investigative personnel