An Introduction to Policing

An Introduction to Policing, 8th Edition, introduces students and prospective law enforcement candidates to the foundational operations and day-to-day realities of police work. Co-authored by law enforcement veterans John S. Dempsey and Linda S. Forst, the textbook balances pertinent theoretical concepts with practical field experience.

The volume examines institutional structures and core duties, highlighting what officers do and how departments function. Key subjects include homeland security, responses to terrorism incidents, technological developments in policing, and operations within small and rural departments.

Learning features incorporate relevant court cases, statistical data, and essays by experienced personnel, offering prospective officers concrete perspective on career pathways across the profession.