Policing in America [Paperback]

Larry K. Gaines (Author), Victor E. Kappeler (Author), Joseph B. Vaughn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999 | ISBN-10: 0870847082 | ISBN-13: 978-0870847080

This comprehensive text provides an overview of law enforcement topics, integrating major empirical findings and theory-based research findings in the field with a thorough analysis of contemporary policing problems.

The issues-oriented discussion focuses on critical concerns facing American police, including personnel systems, organization and management, operations, discretion, use of force, culture and behavior, ethics and deviance, civil liability and police-community relations. A critical assessment of police history and the role politics played in the development of American police institutions is offered. Globalization, terrorism and homeland security are addressed.

Video links provide additional coverage of topics discussed in the text.

• Now in full color, with color photographs and illustrations.


• Video links provide additional coverage of topics discussed in the text.


• Key concepts, internet links, charts and tables support the text throughout.


• Includes a glossary.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Policing in America is a comprehensive introduction to the history, ethics, organization, methods, societal role, and problems of police in America.

The issues-oriented discussion focuses on critical concerns facing American police, including human resources, organization and management, operations, discretion, use of force, culture and behavior, ethics and deviance, civil liability and police-community relations. A critical assessment of police history and the role politics played in the development of American police institutions is offered. Globalization, terrorism, and homeland security are addressed.

Each chapter contains a key terms list, charts, boxes, and photos that emphasize key points.

• Video and Internet links provide additional coverage of topics discussed in the text.
• A glossary defines important terms related to policing and law enforcement.

Larry K. Gaines is a Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at California State University-San Bernardino.

Victor E. Kappeler is a Foundation Professor and Chair for the Department of Criminal Justice and Police Studies at Eastern Kentucky University.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 585 pages
• Publisher: Anderson Pub Co (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870847082
• ISBN-13: 978-0870847080
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,381,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst Textbook Ever, February 10, 2007

By 

Melissa McKeown "Mel" (Deming, NM United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Policing in America (Paperback)

If you are required to buy this book for a college course all I can do is offer my sympathy. If you are looking for a good overview of current methods and styles of policing in America, find an alternative. This book is so poorly written and edited that I don't understand how it could have been published, let alone be in its fifth edition. This book contains sentences that are incomplete (as in no beginning or completely lacking an ending), phrasing that makes no sense, and random diatribes on completely irrelevant issues. Ask your professor to recommend another book to the college you attend, or drop the class that requires you read this book, because it's too painful for words, and it's not worth the paper it's printed on.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Review, September 24, 2007

By 

Lisa C. Kordich - See all my reviews

This review is from: Policing in America (Paperback)

After reading three of Gaines books I have came to the conclusion that I am not a big fan of his writing. I am sure that he knows his information, however the way he writes is dull.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Satisfied, October 18, 2010

By 

SandiT - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Policing in America (Hardcover)

Although I was misled in the edition of the book. I received it in a timely fashion. I can blame myself for not checking further in the edition. Will not order unless there is a picture provided (lol). Other than my own blames, great Service. Arrived in timely fashion. Would do business again. Thanks!!!