The professional model of policing was prevalent during which time period?

The professional model of policing was primarily prevalent during the period of 1920 to 1970. This model emphasized a more organized and bureaucratic approach to law enforcement, where the police were viewed as a professional agency dedicated to maintaining law and order. It focused on the use of technology, specialized training, and a separation of police from politics, aiming to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in crime control.

During this time, there was a significant move away from the earlier methods of policing which often involved community volunteers and were influenced by political parties. These changes aimed to establish a clear, standardized set of procedures and an emphasis on police training, leading to the creation of police academies and formal educational programs.

The professional model also championed the idea of policing as a science, where data and statistics were used to drive police operations, further reflecting a shift towards a more systematic approach. As a result, this period laid the foundation for modern policing practices we see today, including policies focused on crime prevention and community relations, though these have evolved further in subsequent decades.