Posted: April 24th, 2025

Wk 2 – Summative Assessment: Police Theories and Practices Interview

Police organizations are instruments through which policing services are organized and delivered to the public. The primary function of the police force is crime prevention. As an aspiring criminal justice professional, it is crucial to understand how the organizational structure of the police department and its various practices influence its day-to-day functions.

Imagine you are a criminal justice professional who has been asked to participate in an interview with a local newspaper about the practical implications of police theory and practices on its functions of crime prevention and keeping order. The newspaper reporter has provided you with the interview questions so that you can research and prepare your responses ahead of time. 

Assessment Directions

Write a 700- to 1,050-word response guide that includes responses to each of the following prompts as if you were responding to the reporter in the interview:

• Explain how legitimacy in the police force enables effective crime-fighting.
• Explain why implementing the contingency theory of problem-oriented policing is an answer to building partnerships with the public.
• Explain why civilianization is a beneficial practice in police work. Provide reasons to support your answer.
• Explain which type of mentality—warrior or guardian—makes the best police officer. Provide reasons to support your answer.
• Explain why the code of silence is a desired police subculture.
• Explain what impact has been seen with the inclusion of women and minorities in the police force. Provide reasons to support your answer.
• Explain how crime control is influenced by the contingency theory.
• Explain how the environment in which police organizations function influences their operational activities. Provide reasons in context with the institutional theory.

Include at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar sources to support your responses.

Format your citations and references according to APA guidelines.