Problem:
How would you respond to a student based on the question? Question: In your opinion, which of James Q. Wilson's three styles of law enforcement agencies is most appropriate for agencies to adopt and why? Does the state prosecutor have too much or too little influence over policies and procedures enacted by police chiefs?. Student Answer: The styles of law enforcement agencies that are most appropriate for agencies to adopt are the watchman, legalistic, and service styles. The most appropriate style depends on community needs and agency goals. The watchmen style focuses on maintaining order through informal means and is suitable for communities with low crime rates. The legalistic style emphasizes strict adherence to laws and is effective in areas with high crime rates. The service style prioritizes community relations and problem-solving which is ideal for rapidly changing communities. "In Wilson's studies, these variations in the community political culture manifested themselves in a number of ways that subsequently affected both the qualities and the quantitative enforcement action taken by the police" (pg.115), implies that different political contexts may lead to differences in both the nature (qualitative) and extent (quantitative) of police actions. For example, a community with a strong emphasis on civic engagement might see more community-oriented policing, while a community with a more authoritarian political culture might experience harsher enforcement practices