Cengage Advantage Books: An Introduction to Policing (Thomson Advantage Books)

A "must read" for anyone considering a career in law enforcement, this book provides a current, insider's look at the many rewards, and the often intense stress, that are part of police work. Written by two authors with extensive real-life experience in all ranks and assignments of policing, this text gives you a solid blend of practical information and theory that gives a firm foundation in the various roles of the police: who the police are, what they do, and how they do it. The book also addresses current topics that concern you most, such as homeland defense, community policing, and current technological advancements.

John S. Dempsey is currently Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice at State University of New York (SUNY), Suffolk County Community College. He also teaches criminal justice and public administration courses at SUNY, Empire State College where he serves as a mentor for ranking members of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. Mr. Dempsey was a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) from 1964 until 1988, serving as a police officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, where his primary assignments were patrol and investigations. Mr. Dempsey received seven citations from the Department for meritorious and excellent police duty. After retiring from the NYPD, he served as Professor of Criminal Justice at Suffolk County Community College on Eastern Long Island until 2003 where he won the college's prestigious "Who Made a Difference Award" for his teaching and work with students. In 2005, Mr. Dempsey was designated Professor Emeritus by the college. He lectures widely around the country on policing and criminal justice issues and is a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), ASIS International, the Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences (NEACJS), and the Criminal Justice Educators Association of New York State (CJEANYS). His latest academic distinctions were selection for the Outstanding Contributor Award from the ACJS Community College Section of 2004 and the Fellows Award from the NEAJS in 2005. Mr. Dempsey is the author of several books on policing and security. He received his Associate of Arts Degree and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science from the City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Long Island University and his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Linda S. Forst is currently a professor of criminal justice at Shoreline Community College in Seattle, Washington, and serves as a member of the Board on Law Enforcement Training Standards and Education for the State of Washington. She is a retired police captain from the Boca Raton (Florida) Police Services Department, joining the department in 1977 and serving as a patrol officer, investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. She spent most of her career in patrol but also worked in investigations, professional standards, training, hiring, and support services. She was the first female field training officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain in the department. She has extensive training in accident investigation, domestic violence, sexual violence, community policing, and police management, and served on the board of directors of the local battered women's shelter for many years. She received numerous commendations during her career and brought home many gold medals from the state and International Police Olympics while representing Boca Raton. Linda S. Forst is the author of numerous publications in magazines, journals, and newspapers and presents regularly at conferences and to community groups. She is also the author of several books on policing. Ms. Forst earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in criminal justice, her Master's Degree in Community College Education, and her Doctorate Degree in Adult Education from Florida Atlantic University. Her dissertation was on acquaintance rape prevention programs. She is also a graduate of University of Louisville's Sex Crime Investigation School and Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. Ms. Forst is a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and has instructed for Northwestern's School of Police Staff and Command as well as Palm Beach Community College and Florida Atlantic University.

Part I: POLICE HISTORY and ORGANIZATION. 1. Police History. 2. Organizing Public and Private Security in the US. 3. Organizing the Police Department. Part II: THE PERSONAL SIDE OF POLICING. 4. Becoming a Police Officer. 5. The Police Role and Police Discretion. 6. Police Culture and Personality and Police Stress. 7. Minorities in Policing. 8. Police Ethics and Police Deviance. Part III: POLICE OPERATIONS. 9. Police Operations: Patrol. 10. Police Operations: Investigation. 11. Police and the Community. 12. Community Policing: The Debate Continues. 13. Police and the Law. Part IV: CRITICAL ISSUES IN POLICING. 14. Computers, Technology, and Criminalistics in Policing. 15. Policing and Homeland Security.