A system of government service employment based on merit and examinations rather than on political patronage.

A set of laws developed by Babylonian King Hammurabi that date back to the 18th century BC; the earliest written legal code known. (Lex Talionis)

Not having a single administrative center.

A system of policing used in England during the Early Middle Ages whereby communities were divided into small groups (tithings) that were collectively responsible for the conduct of all members.

A calling out to the members of a community in order to collectively pursue a criminal, as was mandated under old English law.

An ancient system of law enforcement where law enforcement responsibility was held by all citizens, and everyone was responsible for the conduct of their extended families.

A charter of liberties that the English Barons forced King John to sign in 1215

Another name for the Frankpledge System

The ancient code of laws that, according to the Old Testament, were given by God to Moses.

To bring under the control of a nation, such as the government of the United States

A respected, national association of attorneys that is very active in civil rights and other criminal justice issues

A landmark study in policing that demonstrated a lack of effectiveness of traditional preventive patrol, opening the door for innovations in policing. \

An American political scientist that wrote extensively on criminal justice issues, perhaps most famous for developing Broken Windows Theory.

An organization that has some but not all of the characteristics of the military

Another name for Community Oriented Policing (COP).

In a scientific experiment, a group that does not receive the experimental treatment so it can serve as a baseline with which to compare the group that did receive the experimental treatment.

An idea that assumes that crime or disorder results when (1) likely offenders and (2) suitable targets come together in (3) time and space, in the absence of capable guardians for that target.

A method of policing where the community and police work together to analyze community problems and developing customized responses to them.

An early use of scientific experiments to inform police practice.

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem–solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.

How Herman Goldstein, the Father of Problem–oriented Policing, described the police role in society

An individual or a group with an interest or concern in something.