Running head: POLICE UNDER NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT 1
Police Under National Spotlight In 60’s and 70’s
Jennifer N. Masten
Multicultural Issues in CJ
Wilmington University
POLICE UNDER NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT 2
Abstract
Historical events that took place during the 1960’s and the 1970’s would change the future of
policing and how officers were viewed. The turning of the professional era to the community
policing era created many obstacles for citizens and law enforcement. Following the
assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. set Civil Rights activists into
overdrive. Protests and riots throughout the country threatened by police brutality made
communities doubt the ability of police officers. Court cases dealing with a citizen’s
Constitutional rights being violated would change how police dealt with arrests and
confessions. Advancements in technology would improve the quality of policing and
prevention of crime. Growing numbers of female police officers gained public attention and
opportunities for them emerged.
POLICE UNDER NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT 3
There are many reasons police were under national spotlight in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Events ranging from police brutality to advancements in technology used by agencies made
headlines throughout the United States. How police agencies handled riots and protests
regarding the Civil Rights movement was a trying time for communities across the nation.
Landmark cases defining what police officers can and cannot do in reference to a citizen’s
Constitutional rights were major news. These cases would shape how courts ruled on future
cases to come. The community policing era was the attempt to regain trust within
communities and decrease crime. Changing how police officers interacted with citizens was
much needed. In addition to all these events, females would soon have the opportunity to join
law enforcement agencies. These series of events were just the start of creating equal rights
