Introduction
The role of law enforcement and police in the United States of America has been significantly changed during the last several centuries. The need for criminal justice was recognized during colonial times when first communities were organized by volunteers to define and enforce the law in society (Mosteller). Officially, the first police department was introduced by Boston authorities in the middle of the 19th century (Mosteller). New York City was the next state to found a similar agency, now known as the New York City Police Department or the NYPD. Possessing exclusive power and opportunities, it is expected from police departments to encourage law, remove inequality, and keep order. Unfortunately, modern police activities are associated not only with such concepts as justice, trust, and safety but also brutality, cruelty, and corruption. In this essay, the analysis of the NYPD history, structure, values, and goals will be developed to understand the impact of the department on American society and clarify if American policing works effectively today.
Department History
The history of the NYPD is closely related to the events during the beginning of the 19th century. According to Chadwick, one of the critical moments in American law was the year 1834, also known as “the riot year” when civil disturbances emerged (1). Many New Yorkers were not satisfied with the presence of Irish immigrants on their land, the work of political parties and churches, and the impossibility to solve racial concerns (Chadwick 1). Constables were official legal bodies to preserve control and order. Cops and volunteer military units assisted constables in the cases of emergency. Still, these activities were not enough. The relationships between Native Americans and immigrants were not stable, and New York was in need of serious changes and improvements. In about ten years of public concerns, a new law enforcement reform was introduced by Mayor William Havemeyer (Chadwick 193). The decision to replace constables with “a force of over one thousand police officers” was made, and “a police chief, several assistant chiefs, and captains” were signed to each of eight precinct houses (Chadwick 193). The municipal police gained legal powers and responsibilities in the city.
The first attempts to establish police control in New York are frequently defined as successful ones. Such American ideas as “limiting government power, distrust of a standing army and belief that municipal institutions should be close to the people” prevailed (Czitrom). Not to be corrupted, first police officers and chiefs were appointed for a one-year period only. It was legal to collect fees in order to serve warrants, detain suspects, and reclaim stolen property (Czitrom). However, police officers gained certain freedoms, and it was important for the country and society to identify the rules, standards, and norms in regard to which the department could work. The NYPD was formed, and the city was protected by specially prepared people with clearly defined goals, values, and missions.
Goals and Values
With time, American society, as well as the NYPD, underwent considerable changes that touched upon economic, political, and cultural aspects. At this moment, this police department has a clear mission to be recognized by all police officers and their chiefs. The NYPD aims to improve the quality of life by “working in partnership with community to enforce the law, preserve peace, protect the people, reduce fear, and maintain order” (New York City Police Department, “Mission”). American citizens expect the NYPD to promote the existence of a safe and fair city where it is possible not only to solve problems but to establish strong interpersonal relationships. Nowadays, there are many technological devices and strategic innovations that are used to facilitate life and enhance communication. The NYPD employees must follow technical progress and keep people informed about recent achievements and future intentions. Police use social media to share their values, including the importance of fighting crimes and respecting human life and dignity (New York City Police Department, “Mission”). Despite the existing concerns and problems associated with the work of the department, leaders continue improving their working conditions, which contributes to high-quality living standards.
Organizational Structure
Being one of the oldest police departments of the country, the NYPD is also one of the largest organizations, including about 36,000 officers and 19,000 civilian workers (New York City Police Department, “About NYPD”). It is not an easy task for one organization that consists of such a number of people to control the city and promote safe and working culture. Therefore, an understanding of the core structure and responsibilities of employees is extremely important. Police commissioner is the head of the department who is involved in discussing and solving public and police issues within the law enforcement sphere. This person is responsible for appointing other chiefs and deputy commissioners. In the NYPD, there are one first deputy commissioner and a chief of department who control the quality of the work and run the entire department. The police department consists of other departments, like employee relations, information technology, legal matters, public information, etc., and each of them is run by a deputy commissioner (New York City Police Department, “Leadership”). Finally, there are many police officers, detectives, and other personnel who work within a specific bureau that is guided by a chief.
Impact on Society
The NYPD has to protect over 8 million citizens of New York every day, and many expectations are identified in society. However, despite the intention to follow the best purposes and serve fairly, many concerns about the quality of the department’s work exist. For example, instead of considering police officers as guardians and protectors, the American public treats them as warriors and enforces (Mosteller). Police have a number of tasks and responsibilities, but their current job includes tax collecting and military enforcement activities. People want to be sure that their police department enhances safety and peace without being involved in various financial aspects. Still, the NYPD continues frustrating society because of the impossibility of combining their true responsibilities with their organizational tasks.
Another important aspect of the work of the NYPD is the development of new policies and the improvement of the already established standards. There are many discussions about the effectiveness of the stop and frisk policy (SQF) of the NYPD. During the eleven-year-old period (between 2003 and 2014), the NYPD recorded about 5 million stops, 2.5 million frisks, 400,000 searches, 300,000 arrests, and 7,000 pistols recovered (Ferrandino 119). On the one hand, police control weapons on the street and reduce the rates of crimes, predicting dangerous situations and identifying suspicious individuals. On the other hand, not all people are satisfied with the fact that now it is the police who make decisions and follow their intuition. The privacy of citizens is challenged, fear-based behaviors are developed, and stereotypes matter in checking people. Police officers use the law to excuse their actions and may abuse people who seem to be suspicious but have not to be such.
Finally, police brutality and corruption cannot be neglected and influence the quality of life. Police officers may shoot innocent people and explain their behaviors as an attempt to protect society and keep order. They underestimate their responsibilities and rights and use the law. In the majority of cases, society is not ready to accept such decisions and activities and organize meetings and debates to define the role of police in everyday routine. New Yorkers want to leave their house without fear of being stopped, checked, or arrested just because a police officer has some thoughts and suspicions. The NYPD has to be the place where trust, fair, and honest relations are developed within a team, as well as with society. Governmental control and fines must be elaborated to predict complications and unnecessary hassles.
Conclusion
The role of police in society remains ambiguous and unclear because of the level of control officers may have over people. The NYPD is one of the oldest and biggest facilities in the country with a rich history and a specific vision. Although it is expected that the department works to protect people, promote safety, and enhance order and justice, many citizens of New York admit that the work of the police is characterized by a number of negative aspects. For example, corruption, brutality, and the possibility to rely on intuition and ambitions provoke many concerns and questions. At the same time, the stop and frisk policy helped to prevent crimes and reduce the number of gun-related accidents on the streets. The NYPD may be not a perfect organization, but its impact has to be recognized as an attempt to improve the lives of Americans.
Works Cited
Chadwick, Bruce. Law & Disorder: The Chaotic Birth of the NYPD. Macmillan, 2017.
Czitrom, Daniel. “The Origins of Corruption in the New York City Police Department.”Time. 2016, Web.
Ferrandino, Joseph A. “The Effectiveness and Equity of NYPD Stop and Frisk Policy, 2003-2014.” Journal of Crime and Justice, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 119-135.
Mosteller, Jeremiah. “A Brief History of Policing in America.” Charles Koch Institute, Web.
New York City Police Department. “About NYPD.”NYPD, Web.
New York City Police Department. “Leadership.”NYPD, Web.
New York City Police Department. “Mission.”NYPD, Web.