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The concept of police professionalism evolved throughout the twentieth century. In its earlier years, policing was based on a “political model” in which officers were assigned to neighborhoods and grew intimately familiar with their “beats.” Decisions about police services for a community were made by political bosses. Policing during this period was characterized by overwhelming political influence and, too often, corruption. The subsequent so called “professional” era of policing was a direct response to this political control and manipulation of city law enforcement agencies. Reforms included outfitting police officers in readily identifiable uniforms. Departments took advantage of the increased availability of cars and assigned more officers to vehicle patrol, in part because they were thereby easier to supervise. Standards of conduct were instituted, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Code of Ethics that was considered one of the greatest accomplishments of that era. The code specified a standard for ethical and legal police conduct. Paramilitary command and control structures became prevalent. Officers were educated to do as they were told and not question authority.

Responsibility is the next tenet of professionalism receiving attention. It requires that the officer have an understanding of duty that is greater than service to oneself. The client of every profession is society. The police officer performs a service for the greater good much as doctors sustain public health, lawyers defend individual rights, and military personnel protect their citizenry. Such service to society implies that the professional police officer understands the social context in which he works. Today this notion of service requires a community policing approach that recognizes social diversity. Every modern metropolitan area is a palette of rich demographic differences. The concepts underlying community policing and diversity awareness must therefore pervade the entire organization, including its training functions.