Policing In America - Peacekeeping and Order Maintenance

Policing In America

Peacekeeping and Order Maintenance

Although police officers are often portrayed in society as having a “crime fighting” image, peacekeeping and order maintenance occupy a majority of their time. Calls for service that relate to arguments, noise complaints, or public nuisances are part of a patrol officer’s regular activities.

Domestic violence and the police response to such disputes have been controversial for at least twenty-five years. As a result, the public’s response to domestic violence has led to:

• New laws and policies
• Increased criminal penalties
• Treatment programs for the ones involved (batterers and victims)
• Police department policy changes

On the basis of your readings from your textbook and South University Online Library, respond to the following:

• Discuss the challenges faced by police officers responding to domestic violence calls and their options for dealing with them.
• Discuss whether a mandatory-arrest policy is a good or a bad idea and why?