In policing we have had era’s that have changed policing in its own way. From the Political Era to the New era, there has always been a style in policing. Over the years we have seen three styles of policing, neither being linked to a specific era in policing (Schmalleger, Frank). The first style of policing is Watchman Style of policing. Watchman style of policing is noticed more in middle to lower classes of society. This style of policing was first given a name in Los Angeles by officers who took were involved in the beating of Rodney King. Watchman Style police tend to be more up in your face. Meaning if there is a disruption in peace they will most likely intervene or use threats and in some cases force (Schmalleger, Frank). For example, a fight breaks out in a park a watchman style police will intervene and make a threat to arrest a party to get them to stop or use force on whoever started it. Next we have the Legalistic Style of Policing. Police who operate under this style of policing enforce the law to its full extant. This officer is the officer that will right you up and give you a fine for going 52 in a 50. They are not very lenient and probably people you shouldn’t test. Although, this style of policing enforces the law to full extent…show more content… Service Style of policing can be mostly found in wealthier communities or in tight small towns. Officers operating under the Service Style think of themselves as helpers other than soldiers against crime (Schmalleger, Frank). Service Style agree that minor offenders should get help instead of getting punished. Courts sometimes favor Service Style and give drug treatments or counseling. Something that will possibly help the perpetrator in the long run than giving them straight jail time. This officer is also going to be the officer that gets called for someone stealing milk and buying that milk for that person because he understands the struggle some people go
