Introduction to Policing

Introduction to Policing, Third Edition continues to focus on the thought-provoking, contemporary issues that underscore the challenging and rewarding world of policing. Steven M. Cox, Susan Marchionna, and experienced law enforcement officer Brian D. Fitch balance theory, research, and practice to give students a comprehensive, yet concise, overview of both the foundations of policing and the expanded role of today’s police officers.  The accessible and engaging writing style, combined with stories from the field, make policing concepts and practices easy for students to understand and analyze. Unique coverage of policing in multicultural communities, the impact of technology on policing, and extensive coverage of policing strategies and procedures — such as those that detail the use of force —make this bestselling book a must-have for policing courses.

Steven M. Cox earned his BS in psychology, MA in sociology, and PhD in sociology at the University of Illinois in Urbana–Champaign. Dr. Cox was a member of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration faculty at Western Illinois University from 1975 to 2007. For the past 45 years, he has served as trainer and consultant to numerous criminal justice agencies in the United States and abroad and has worked with several universities in the area of course development. In addition, Dr. Cox has authored and co-authored numerous successful textbooks and articles.

Susan Marchionna has a varied background in writing, publications, and communications in the criminal justice field. She has most recently consulted with the Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at UC Berkeley on a number of projects, such as developing evidence-based policy and procedures for the San Francisco Adult Probation Department. Other Warren projects include a probation caseload survey, evaluations of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, and brief analyses on policing and crime in California cities. In addition, Susan has worked with the MOSS Group on publications projects related to PREA compliance and sexual safety in institutions, She is serving as the Technical Editor for a new Desktop Guide Series being produced by the Nation Partnership for Juvenile Services in conjunction with OJJDP. Prior to her current consulting work, Susan was the Director of Communication at the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD). There, she helped develop a series of Focus publications on various research topics. For the NCCD Centennial, Susan edited a collection of essays entitled, Continuing the Struggle for Justice. Susan is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz and a long-time resident of the San Francisco bay area.

Brian D. Fitch, PhD, is an adjunct professor of criminal justice at California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Fitch served for 34 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before retiring as a lieutenant. He has worked assignments in field operations, narcotics, forgery and fraud, advanced officer training, professional development, custody, and correctional services. Dr. Fitch has trained more than 10,000 law enforcement officers throughout the United States, as well as internationally in Canada, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in leadership, decision making, and communication skills. He has held positions at California State University–Long Beach, Southwestern University School of Law, Cerritos College, Riverside College, and East Los Angeles College. Dr. Fitch teaches in the leadership development programs sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Department, and Los Angeles Fire Department. Dr. Fitch has published two prior books with Sage, Law Enforcement Ethics: Classic and Contemporary Issues (2013) and Law Enforcement Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management: The IMPACT Model. Dr. Fitch lives in Orange County, California, with his wife, Monica.