IN PERSON: Current controversies over the role of policing in urban America are only the latest in a long history of such conflicts. This course will offer a "long view" of policing, beginning in the late 18th century and concluding with a discussion of contemporary concerns from the perspective of that history. Topics will include the social and political contexts that shaped the development of policing, the creation of police departments in antebellum cities, various types of criminal behavior that affected policing, the evolution of a distinct police culture and the long tradition of various attempts to reform the police. The course is designed to be "conversational lectures" during which students are encouraged to ask questions that will allow the instructor to incorporate what students are most interested in. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 30.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
David Johnson received his Ph.D. in American urban history from the University of Chicago; taught university level courses for 42 years; and published five books, three of which deal with aspects of the history of policing. He was a consultant to the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington during its planning phase, in particular regarding exhibits illustrating the evolution of law enforcement.