The contemporary police profession is built on a bedrock of core values, rooted in tradition. As an extension of governmental authority, law enforcement has historically grappled with its dual role as both enforcer and protector of a safeguarded society. Examining the origins of this enduring global struggle sheds light on the contemporary challenges facing police services and charting a course for the future. The foundations of modern policing trace back to the origins of democratic societies from the philosophical ideas of Plato in ancient Greece through Sir Robert Peel’s principles of policing to law enforcement codes of ethics advocated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 1957 and the United Nations in 1979. Today, police services continue to evolve around the concepts of “guardian” and “warrior.” This chapter delves into the dichotomy of guardian versus warrior mindsets through the lens of democratic policing on a global scale. Technological advances empower more people today to make their voices heard. The widespread access to rapid communication has given rise to a new form of popular democracy that influences governmental and political frameworks, even in the most technologically challenged nations. A striking example of this reality occurred shortly after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, which ignited protests in London, Paris, Pretoria, as well as many other cities in the U.S. and worldwide (Jason Silverstein, (2021). “The global impact of George Floyd: How Black Lives Matter Protests Shaped Movements Around the World. CBS News. June 4, 2021. Accessed at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/george-floyd-black-lives-matter-impact/ and Michael Safi, (2020). “George Floyd Killing Triggers Wave of Activism Around the World.” The Guardian. June 9, 2020. Accessed at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/09/george-floyd-killing-triggers-wave-of-activism-around-the-world ). Floyd’s death while in police custody, sparked a global outcry of “No Justice, No Peace” and launched the Black Lives Matter movement, which brought attention to police practices, procedures, attitudes, and ethics in various countries. In the wake of this tragedy, a renewed wave of police reform emerged, questioning the legitimacy of police as protectors or enforcers—guardians or warriors. Beginning with a retrospective examination of the foundations of democratic policing, this chapter explores the evolving challenges faced by the police profession, particularly the balance between public service, safety, and control. A substantial body of research and literature emphasizes the importance of police efforts to cultivate and sustain public trust. This chapter also addresses triggers and strategies needed for transforming police culture in contemporary society, with an aim of balancing a sound tactical mindset with a profound commitment to public service for sustainable, resilient connections between police and the communities they serve.

The Legacy of Waging "War on Crime": Examining the Origins and Consequences of Militarizing Police

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发表日期：

2026年

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Joseph W. Trindal

摘要

The contemporary police profession is built on a bedrock of core values, rooted in tradition. As an extension of governmental authority, law enforcement has historically grappled with its dual role as both enforcer and protector of a safeguarded society. Examining the origins of this enduring global struggle sheds light on the contemporary challenges facing police services and charting a course for the future. The foundations of modern policing trace back to the origins of democratic societies from the philosophical ideas of Plato in ancient Greece through Sir Robert Peel’s principles of policing to law enforcement codes of ethics advocated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 1957 and the United Nations in 1979. Today, police services continue to evolve around the concepts of “guardian” and “warrior.” This chapter delves into the dichotomy of guardian versus warrior mindsets through the lens of democratic policing on a global scale. Technological advances empower more people today to make their voices heard. The widespread access to rapid communication has given rise to a new form of popular democracy that influences governmental and political frameworks, even in the most technologically challenged nations. A striking example of this reality occurred shortly after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, which ignited protests in London, Paris, Pretoria, as well as many other cities in the U.S. and worldwide (Jason Silverstein, (2021). “The global impact of George Floyd: How Black Lives Matter Protests Shaped Movements Around the World. CBS News. June 4, 2021. Accessed at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/george-floyd-black-lives-matter-impact/ and Michael Safi, (2020). “George Floyd Killing Triggers Wave of Activism Around the World.” The Guardian. June 9, 2020. Accessed at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/09/george-floyd-killing-triggers-wave-of-activism-around-the-world ). Floyd’s death while in police custody, sparked a global outcry of “No Justice, No Peace” and launched the Black Lives Matter movement, which brought attention to police practices, procedures, attitudes, and ethics in various countries. In the wake of this tragedy, a renewed wave of police reform emerged, questioning the legitimacy of police as protectors or enforcers—guardians or warriors. Beginning with a retrospective examination of the foundations of democratic policing, this chapter explores the evolving challenges faced by the police profession, particularly the balance between public service, safety, and control. A substantial body of research and literature emphasizes the importance of police efforts to cultivate and sustain public trust. This chapter also addresses triggers and strategies needed for transforming police culture in contemporary society, with an aim of balancing a sound tactical mindset with a profound commitment to public service for sustainable, resilient connections between police and the communities they serve.