Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement

Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement provides students with a highly contemporary collection of readings that articulate the complexity of modern policing. The anthology provides readers with articles that have been published since the turn of the twenty-first century and that demonstrate the richness of contemporary policing research.

Employing a thoroughly academic approach, the book encourages students to consider the impact of the twentieth century on modern law enforcement, police and youth, the role police play in a democratic society, the intersection of police, politics, and minority populations, and the future of the administration of justice. Students read articles that discuss police professionalism, youth perceptions of police, questions of legitimacy and models for building legitimacy, and how law enforcement must contend with a society that harbors deeply divided opinions on the police. Each article is complemented by a brief introduction and discussion questions to add context and spark meaningful conversation.

Designed to push the conversation forward on a critical and timely topic, Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement is an excellent resource for courses and programs in criminology and criminal justice.

Jennifer Gossett is a professor and the online master’s coordinator in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in sociology from the University of Cincinnati and Texas Woman’s University, respectively.

Jonathon A. Cooper is an associate professor and the coordinator for the on-campus master’s program in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boise State University.