Introduction to Policing

Written and extensively updated by an author team that includes former and current law enforcement officers, Introduction to Policing focuses on the thought-provoking, contemporary issues that underscore the challenging and rewarding world of policing. The authors skillfully balance research and practice to offer students an overview of both the foundations of policing and the expanded role of today’s police officers. Evolving with the modern realities of the field, the Fourth Edition discusses major new and ongoing impactful events, such as the political shift marked by the U.S. presidential election of 2016 and expanded coverage of women and minorities in policing. The accessible and engaging writing style, coupled with unique coverage of the issues of policing in multicultural communities, the impact of technology on policing, and policing strategies and procedures, make this bestselling book a must-have for policing courses.

Steven M. Cox earned his BS in psychology, MA in sociology, and PhD in sociology at the University of Illinois in Urbana–Champaign. Dr. Cox was a member of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration faculty at Western Illinois University from 1975 to 2007. For the past 45 years, he has served as trainer and consultant to numerous criminal justice agencies in the United States and abroad and has worked with several universities in the area of course development. In addition, Dr. Cox has authored and co-authored numerous successful textbooks and articles.

David C. Massey, Ocean Pines Police Department, Wor Wic Community College

Brian D. Fitch, PhD, is an adjunct professor of criminal justice at California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Fitch served for 34 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before retiring as a lieutenant. He has worked assignments in field operations, narcotics, forgery and fraud, advanced officer training, professional development, custody, and correctional services. Dr. Fitch has trained more than 10,000 law enforcement officers throughout the United States, as well as internationally in Canada, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in leadership, decision making, and communication skills. He has held positions at California State University–Long Beach, Southwestern University School of Law, Cerritos College, Riverside College, and East Los Angeles College. Dr. Fitch teaches in the leadership development programs sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Department, and Los Angeles Fire Department. Dr. Fitch has published two prior books with Sage, Law Enforcement Ethics: Classic and Contemporary Issues (2013) and Law Enforcement Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management: The IMPACT Model. Dr. Fitch lives in Orange County, California, with his wife, Monica.