From Police Administration to Police Science: The Development of a Police Academic Establishment in the United States

Abstract

The police academic establishment began in the United States with an emphasis on the principles approach to administration as defined by O. W. Wilson. It evolved with the field over the last 50 years. Each decade has lent distinctive characteristics to its development. Four changes are necessary for its evolution into a genuine science of policing: launching of systematic strategy research; separation of evaluation of strategy from political or social advocacy; inculcation of respect for police scientists who have preceded—particularly O. W. Wilson; and adoption of an open-minded, scientifically neutral approach to assessing what works in policing. The physical sciences provide an appropriate model in this respect.

Keywords

police education police science academic history research

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