Law Enforcement: Then and Now

Essay by joebagggUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, March 2006

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Law Enforcement has changed dramatically over the years in the United States.

Our history has progressed from the English law. Many technological advances have

helped shape law enforcement today. Also new ways and ideas of policing have

influenced the change in law enforcement. Law enforcement has become less corrupt

over the years. Women are playing a big role in enforcement. New rules, laws, and

procedures have been put in place to help improve or society.

The criminal justice system of England in the 18th century seems very different

from the view from people that are more familiar with modern institutions. The two most

striking ideas is the way the institutions prosecuted the offenders and the range of

punishments. Prosecution of almost all criminal offenses was private, usually by the

victim. Intermediate punishments for serious offenses were absent. Most people say that

in the early years of the century, English courts imposed only two sentences on convicted

felons. The perpetrator would either be turned them loose or be hung (Beattie, 20-23). It

is hard to believe how far we have come from the early English law.

There have been many dramatic changes since the political era ended. Hard work

and determination is the key to success in the criminal justice system. Officers now

advance through the rank system in progressive steps. This ensures that those promoted

have the necessary background and skills for their new position. By going through the

ranks a level of fairness and properly trained officers are hired. It is very rare for one to

skip from the patrol unit and become an investigative lieutenant. This differs from years

past when a family member or friend was promoted. Politics have still not completely

been abolished from the promotion system, but promotions are now based more on skills...