What are the recognized three eras of law enforcement?

The recognized eras of law enforcement are generally categorized into three distinct periods: the Political Era, the Reform Era, and the Community Era. Each era reflects the evolving nature of policing and the societal context in which law enforcement operates.

The Political Era began in the 19th century and lasted well into the early 20th century. During this time, policing was heavily influenced by local politics and often involved informal relationships with political leaders. Officers were frequently seen as tools of political interests rather than impartial enforcers of the law, leading to issues of corruption and inefficiency.

The Reform Era emerged as a response to the problems identified in the Political Era. Starting in the 1930s, this period focused on professionalizing law enforcement, emphasizing a more centralized and organized approach to policing, where the emphasis was placed on crime control and the use of technology. Police departments worked to remove political influence from policing and established standards of conduct and accountability.

The Community Era represents a shift towards collaboration between police and community members, beginning in the late 20th century. This era promotes community-oriented policing strategies, fostering partnerships with the community to prevent crime and address issues collaboratively. The focus is on proactive measures rather than just reactive responses, which has led to greater community