The Blazer Experiment

Militarization

The evolution of policing in the United States has seen a significant shift towards militarization, particularly from the 1960s onwards. Chad Posick highlights how the language of war, such as the "war on drugs," has influenced policing tactics, leading to an escalation in the use of military-style equipment and strategies 1. This trend was further fueled by federal programs that provided local police departments with surplus military gear, blurring the lines between police and military roles.

Even small rural departments were getting their hands on stuff like helicopters and serious crowd control gear, like shields and helmets.

--- Roman Mars

The militarized approach has sparked public concern, especially in the wake of protests against police violence, where police responses have often resembled military operations 1.

   

Legacy

The roots of modern policing in the U.S. can be traced back to the London Metropolitan Police, established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829. Chad Posick explains that Peel's model introduced uniforms and a structured approach to law enforcement, which gradually influenced American policing practices 2. However, early U.S. police departments often served the interests of the powerful, leading to widespread corruption and abuse.

Most early police departments in the US allied themselves with the rich and the powerful, like local politicians and business leaders.

--- Roman Mars

The Wickersham Commission in 1929 exposed these issues, marking a turning point towards professionalizing the police force, although challenges remain 2.