Rethinking and Reforming American Policing

Book excerpt: "Dr. Schafer and Chief Myers have developed a comprehensive and contemporary guidebook for leading the next generation of police reform. An evidence-based mix of research and policy that goes beyond the norm providing thoughtful insights on police change that is of value to both the policing scholar and police practitioner." -David L. Carter, Professor, Michigan State University, USA Policing in the US and many western nations is in an era of crisis, facing extensive calls for reformation and change. This edited book outlines the major challenges and changes needed to achieve a more stable future for the policing profession and police organizations. The chapters come from innovative police leaders and officers as well as academics with subject matter expertise, to provide insight into how reform can be achieved. It starts with an examination of how policing reached this state of crisis and discusses some interviews conducted with police leaders, particularly chiefs as agents of change and reform. This is followed by chapters from veteran police leaders and personnel describing some of the factors that brought policing to this critical time of change and reform, and some potential strategies to create meaningful change while considering unintended consequences. The book concludes with chapters from academics and police leaders defining paths that policing can take toward needed changes that will increase legitimacy, trust, and equality of policing services. The text speaks to students, academics and professionals interested in police organization and administration, police leadership, and contemporary issues in policing and criminal justice. Joseph A. Schafer is Professor of Criminology and Criminal at Saint Louis University, USA. His research focuses on policing, organizational change, leadership, citizen perceptions of police, and futures research in policing. Richard W. Myers is a retired police chief with over 40 years of law enforcement experience, including 33 years as the chief of 8 different agencies in six different US states. He has served leadership roles in a range of police professional associations, including serving as the President/Chair for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and as the Executive Director for the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA.