1st Edition

Street Cop Policing in Context

By George Klein Copyright 2023
226 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

226 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

226 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

This book provides an ethnography of street-level policing in the United States and offers an analysis with valuable lessons for today’s law enforcement officers. Author George C. Klein, sociologist and former police officer, explores the characteristics of policing in a suburb outside of large Midwestern city in the United States. As a participant-observation fieldworker, he functioned as an... Read more

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Theory and Methods: There is No View Without a Viewpoint

Chapter 3: Policing: An Introduction

Chapter 4: Training

Chapter 5: The Police Use of Force: An Ethnography of Police Socialization

Chapter 6: Police Patrol

Chapter 7: Analysis

Chapter 8: Race and Policing

Chapter 9: Policing Alternatives

Chapter 10: Issues In Policing:

Chapter 11: Conclusions: Cops Swim in the Sea of the People

 

Biography

George C. Klein, Ph.D. was a Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Oakton Community College, in Des Plaines, Illinois, for 43 years. He is now a Professor Emeritus. He has a doctorate in Sociology and Criminal Justice. He specializes on the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. He was a part-time police officer for over eight years. He was a consultant and researcher for the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI Academy for over 13 years. He is a trained hostage negotiator and served with a SW AT team. He currently works as an expert witness.

His book, Law and The Disordered: An Exploration In Mental Health, Law, And Politics, was published in 2009. The book is an examination of the mental health and criminal justice system. His book, The Militarization of the Police? Ideology Versus Reality, was published in 2019. The book examines the police use of force, and the riots in Ferguson and in Baltimore. In 2018, he published an article entitled, On the Death of Sandra Bland: A Case of Anger and Indifference. He has also published articles on hostage negotiation and terrorism. In 2007, his book on adoption, The Adventure: The Quest for my Romanian Babies was published.

"This is not just a book about the police and police issues. It is a great book that explores policing from the many perspectives of the author and then takes you to where he has been. His own experiences in the squad car, the experiences of those with whom he worked, and the in-depth analyses start this examination. Facts, figures, experts, explanations and suggestions for improving policing based on what we know, what he knows and what his fellow officers know demonstrates a side of this continual examination that is often overlooked. We must know the facts. And Dr. Klein presents the facts. We need to know what officers actually experience and these are presented also. And as a talented fact gatherer and fact checker, Dr. Klein leads us through many of the events that have occurred in our society with great specificity. This tome must be read not only by cops, but also by their supervisors and superiors. But most of all, this book is an open invitation for those in the general public who are truly interested in understanding and resolving the multiple conflicts that exist within our society related to these specific issues.

No doubt, a great book. And, no doubt a great read for those who truly want to be in-the-know."

Dr. (COL) James L. Greenstone Master Peace Officer