Municipal Policing - Midterm Exam Essays

Running Head : Police Professionalism

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Professionalism refers to the skill , competence or standards expected of a member of a profession . It involves the adoption of a set of values and attitudes by members of an occupation that are consistent with a professional ideology

Professionalization is a process of legitimization an occupation goes through as it endeavors to improve its social status

The various characteristics of a profession include the following (Roberg and Kuykendall , 1993

A well developed body of professional literature materials p

A high degree of generalized and systematic knowledge with a theoretical base . This is achieved through research

A high degree of self control of behavior governed by a code of ethics

The code of ethics is a statement of values ensures a high quality of serving . It also guarantees competency of membership , honor and integrity . The code is a direct expression of the profession 's principles of service orientation . It emphasizes no personal gain and protection of the client

Membership in professional organizations and associations

Dedication to self-improvement

Existence of a unique , identifiable academic field of knowledge attainable through education

There is a system of testing the competence of members

Police professionalism has been a focal point in the past for police reformers . The ambiguity of the role of the police has however seriously hampered efforts to professionalize the police because deciding on the proper role of the police is a necessary step to outlining steps towards professionalism

Police professionalism can mean different things in different places and at different times making agreement on the requirement for a professional police force unlikely . Police professionalism may refer to police organizations as police officers , or both . Some police administrators refer to tangible improvements such as latest technology like computers and weaponry , as signs of professionalism . However this is not true in reference to the characteristics of professionalism

Currently the police are struggling to meet the requirements of a profession . Clearly there is a growing body of professional literature on the police . Some Journals like police studies and America journal of the police contain reports of police research . There are also penodicals and a rapid expanding number of government reports on police that contribute more information on police operations and organizations

A code of ethics for the police has been developed and modified by the International Association of heads of police . Although some police may be unfamiliar with its contents , indications show that many officers know the code exists . However the code of conduct offers little control over the police . This is because there is no professional standards committee that reviews and sanctions police for the violation of their own code (Gaines , kappeler Vaughn , 1999

There are a number of professional policed associations especially for chief executive officers . Organizations like Fraternal of the police are oriented toward rank-and- officers as well but they have typically served as organizations and collective bargain agents . In recent years there has been expansion of professional organizations among police planners , investigators...