In the mid to late 1800’s many men went on to create security industries which have passed the test of time and still remain present today or at least have been acquired by other security industry giants which keeps the legacy alive. As we move forward to the 1900’s two specific events elevated the roll of private security in America.

The increasing growth of the railroad and the labor unions in early America spawned increased development and dependency of the private security industry. Businessmen realized that greater profits may be driven by the supply and demand from westward expansion. These railroad tycoons would delay movement of the railroad to increase their bottom line from the wanting farmers and merchants in the West. Because jurisdictional boundaries prevented local law enforcement from traveling across the country, both outlaws would rob these trains as well as the railroad itself stealing the transported cargo to monopolize the trade industry.

In response to the larceny which occurred, many states passed laws enabling the railroad to organize their own security force with powers to arrest and apprehend criminals transcending jurisdictions. These individuals became known as the railroad police, and in 1914 the federal government deputized these individuals to protect the transportation network and cargo as we entered World War One.

Next week the Labor Unions…..

One member of the Chicago Police Department, Allan Pinkerton their first detective, took steps to open his own detective agency in 1850. Pinkerton and his detectives became infamous for their ability to transcend the boundaries which the public police departments were limited. Pinkerton and his detectives began pursuing criminals throughout the country relentlessly until they were able to capture and bring these individuals to justice. Upon seeing the success which Pinkerton was having, other individuals soon developed their own detective agencies to capture and pursue criminals who fleed into the wild west to escape prosecution. And as westward exploration continued in the United States, the security industry as well began to expand by leaps and bounds. Once such organization which found their home out west was the Wells, Fargo & Company. This company was responsible for safely transporting valuables across the country without interference from bandits attempting to rob the transporting stagecoach.

In the mid 1800’s several large cities transitioned their law enforcement personnel into organized police forces, mimicking the London Metropolitan Police. During this time frame, America was plagued by militant labor unions and required the police forces to receive both additional personnel, and resources. While attempting to build these police forces, many of the police forces were originally formed as strikebreakers. At the same time, federal law enforcement grew through the establishment of an investigative unit for the U. S. Treasury department. During this period it wasn’t only federal and local law enforcement agencies which found new and remarkable growth. The private security industry flouished with activity, which later brought forth further new challenges. This will be continued next week in our Crime Fighting Blog.

Policing can be traced all the way back towards the ancient Romans and Greeks, throughout Europe and finally washing upon the shores of the United States. In the early colonization of the United States we find that there were two responses to policing which existed. In the South where the communities were spread about the duties of the Sheriff included apprehending criminals, serving subpoenas, and collecting taxes. In the Northeast where larger populaces existed the public was protected by watchmen and constables. Since these individuals did not collect taxes, their pay was minimal compared to that of the sheriffs which existed throughout the colonies. Further, the constables performed similar duties and responsibilities as their counterparts in England. These jobs included keeping the peace, eliminating health hazards, and bringing both witnesses and suspects to court. Yet, in the 1800’s a change soon became the turning point in the United States. This will be continued next week in the Crime Fighting Blog.

One question which often is posed is if a criminal justice degree is a requirement to enter the criminal justice field? Although this is a great question, the vagueness which exists when the question is asked ends up creating confusion and causing problems for the undecided individual. The criminal justice field is composed of multiple different careers which one may undertake depending on their personal preference or passion. Of course, the most common which we will discuss during this blog will be the local police officer.

When looking at the classifieds, attending a job hiring event, or applying directly to a local police department one may find that many local law enforcement agencies have different minimum requirement for those seeking employment as a police officer. After looking at various departments, I noticed that many have the minimum requirement of a high school degree to begin the police academy. Once an individual has passed the police academy and joined their specific department the individual may either have a time line to achieve a further degree or may be hindered for promotion pending on their lack of further education. Though this is not the case for all departments, this is a common thread amongst many.

So for those who are considering a career as a local law enforcement officer, although a degree is not required everywhere the benefits of having one may just give you the extra boost during the hiring phase and will benefit you once you look at progressing through the ranks.

Its a bird, its a plane, no, …. it’s our men and women in blue patrolling the streets in an effort to serve and protect our way of life which we have become accustomed. These unsung heroes are often neglected until we need them the most.

We know they exist, we know they are out there performing their duties; but we get frustrated when they are not around when someone goes speeding by or runs a light. When your in a hurry and one pulls behind you as your driving you get frustrated wishing they were somewhere else so you can drive faster. Maybe when you see them pull aside you in their patrol car you drop your phone to your lap as you know you are not supposed to be talking or texting. These silent complaints exist with many, until that one day when you need these law enforcement professionals the most.

Yet, sure enough when you pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1, these unsung heroes come to the call. Whether it be a break in at your home, some troubled teens in the area or even a cat in a tree or an alligator at a school (recently in Florida). These law enforcement professionals respond quickly to an uncertain environment, never knowing what may exist behind every corner.

So, the next time your at that stoplight give a friendly wave or when you see them out in a mall or at a fair, say thank you. You would be surprised how shocked and lost for words they may just find themselves. To all the men and women keeping us safe, thank you.. thank you for taking the time and making this your career of choice to keep us safe from harm.

Pending on your personal physical fitness will depend upon how you interpret this controversial post.

When law enforcement professionals attend their respected police academy, these individuals graduate in fairly good condition. Jump ahead a few years and three categories of officers exist. Officers who have remained in shape, officers who are overweight and out of shape, and there are those who are in between.

Now without singling out any specific officers or departments, I would challenge you to watch a 30 minute television show which has been around for a while providing short snippets of law enforcement personnel on duty. During these shows you can see officers chasing criminals and see that some criminals are caught and others are not based upon the physical fitness of the law enforcement personnel.

Take a look at your local police department and comment if you think a regulated physical fitness program should exist as part of their performance evaluations.

Since the beginning of American policing, various policing strategies have been implemented in an effort to deter criminal activity. One of the more commond methodologies in practice today is that of community policing. This strategy employs community partnerships, organizational transformation, and problem solving techniques in an active manner to prevent criminal activity.

Community partnerships.

Is a collaborative undertaking between law enforcement and the local community to which they serve and protect. The partnership was designed to increase the level of trust in law enforcement with the community and develop proactive courses of action to problems which may exist in the community.

Organizational transformation.

Relies upon the organizational management of information systems, personnel, and organizational structure. This focus ranges from the access of information and geographical assignment of law enforcement to labor relations and leadership within the police force.

Problem solving techniques.

Uses systematic problem solving techniques to identify the problem, develop potential courses of action to discuss with the community, and an active response by law enforcement to solve the problem. Ensuring the problem is solved relies upon an active voice of the commnity who further assists by reviewing the response which law enforcement has implemented.

Maricopa Chain Gang

Recently the state of Arizona has received a considerable amount of attention with the new immigration law. But thinking back, Arizona has been in the news previously regarding prison issues and inmate management. In Maricopa County,  Sheriff Joe Arpaio makes the news as he delivers forth his own unique brand of law enforcement. To further change the recidivism rate Sheriff Arpaio has implemented techniques which has not existed since the 1950s, and surprisingly has not met much resistance. Of the many changes Sheriff Arpaio has brought forward, two stand out which continue to receive media attention: Tent City and the Chain Gang.

Tent City is the name dubbed to the area adjacent to the Maricopa County Jail where inmates reside without the comfort and privileges which exist at most prisons within the United States. This was started in 1993 where two thousand convicted men and women serve out their time without the use of smoking, coffee, movies, pornographic magazines and full access to the television. Though under scrutiny by some for inhumane treatment as the prisoners don’t receive the same benefits as other prisoners throughout the nation. The recidivism rates decline speak milestones for this method.

Additionally, the Sheriff resorted back to the old chain gangs for both men, women and juvenile delinquents. These chain gangs work throughout Maricopa County on burial details for the homeless, painting over graffiti, and cleaning the streets of litter and waste. Again this type of work has received complaints of equality of other prisons and inmates; but the County has nothing but support for the methodology and the lessons which the inmates learn while incarcerated.

Another interesting tidbit is the psychological effect which Sheriff Arpaio implemented at both the prison and at Tent City. A few years ago the Sheriff learned that the inmates were stealing the white boxer shorts which were worn underneath their clothing. Upon hearing this the Sheriff immediately ordered that all under garments, sheets, towels, socks were all dyed pink for a twofold purpose. First, the inmates would more than likely think twice stealing pink boxers, and second the pink would have a psychological calming effect on the inmates. The only item of clothing not dyed, was the old-fashioned black and white striped uniform which the inmates wear especially while out on the chain gang.

After the recent attempted bombing in Time Square, the question regarding information sharing and the spirit of cooperation rises once again. Although New York City is the home of the first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in 1980, after the devastating blow of 9/11 we as a nation watched 65 additional JTTF’s rise from the ashes around the country. The JTTF’s are composed of law enforcement and intelligence personnel of the United States who focus primarily on terrorist related leads and activity. Although the mission seems well defined, the question remains does the spirit of cooperation truly exist.

Information sharing and levels of classification between law enforcement and the intelligence community has always been a challenge. Yet, in recent years the classification challenge has been minimized and law enforcement personnel are receiving greater access to the information which the intelligence community has developed. Unfortunately, one of the greatest challenges which existed pre-9/11 still exists in this post-9/11 era. The lack of communication remains a constant, where databases are unable to speak to one another and information technology (IT) lacks the sharing capabilities as a result of classifications and system protocols. The information sharing in IT channels is one of the greatest stumbling blocks which both law enforcement and intelligence personnel share, as information must be manually delivered allowing one set of analysts to input or read the information and collaborate amongst themselves. The lack of system integration reduces the speed to which the JTTF operatives may respond in an effort to thwart a terrorist planned activity.