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The Police in America, 4/e
Samuel Walker, University of Nebraska
Charles M. Katz, Arizona State University-West

Foundations
The Contemporary Lax Enforcement Industry

Chapter Overview

Law enforcement in the United States is a large and extremely complex enterprise. This chapter provides an overview of the various types of agencies that comprise the law enforcement industry. This includes discussions on the size, scope and functions of police agencies ranging from municipal to federal organizations. Special district police, campus law enforcement and the private security industry are also addressed.

Fragmentation of police services is an important concern among law enforcement organizations. Problems, alternatives and suggestions related to the fragmentation issue are provided. The chapter concludes with the role of the federal and state governments in regulating and requiring minimum standards for law enforcement agencies in the United States.