The New World of Police Accountability

The New World of Police Accountability, 3rd Edition, provides an examination of American policing reforms, analyzing what works, what appears promising, and what has proven unsuccessful. Authors Samuel E. Walker and Carol A. Archbold address ongoing debates surrounding police legitimacy, oversight mechanisms, and race relations.

The textbook covers routine encounters that generate public controversy, including stop-and-frisk practices alongside responses to domestic violence and mental health calls. It also examines officer decision-making, de-escalation, and tactical adjustments during encounters involving force.

Drawing on research, Justice Department consent decrees, and the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, the volume includes chapter-opening learning objectives designed to help students evaluate their understanding of essential topics.