The evolving role of policing Role expectations is shared by members of a group that specifies behavior considered appropriate in each situation. Role conflict happens when there are contradictions between roles that a person takes on or plays on their everyday life. These relate to policing because they deal with it every day. Police officers go from the safety of their home and their families to a job where they have to protect and serve those around them.
The first police officer went out on patrol in 1938. He had no training, he patrolled on foot, had no two-way radio, could not be dispatched through a 911 system, and carried no weapon. The police officers in 1950 worked in a different situation. They most likely had a high school education, were male since women weren’t on the force for another 18 years. Policing was under siege in the 80’s due to crime arising in the 60’s.
Today’s policing is so much different than it was years ago. Officers now wear body cameras and have so many other different types of new equipment.
The police have so many roles now than they did back then. The police protect and serve their community in ways nobody else can. They are trained to do their job very well before they even step foot on duty. I think as we evolve more the police departments will continue to grow and have new techniques and newer equipment.