America’s policing entered the Political Era, an era that stretched from the decade

The Political Era of policing in America began in the mid-19th century, roughly around the 1840s, and extended until the early 20th century, around the 1920s. During this period, policing was heavily influenced by local political leaders and operated largely in response to political patronage. Here are some key characteristics and developments of this era:

1. Connection to Local Politics: Police departments were closely tied to local political machines. Officers were often selected based on their political affiliations rather than professional qualifications, which led to corruption and nepotism.

2. Focus on Maintaining Order: The primary function of police during this period was to maintain public order and enforce laws as dictated by political leaders. Their priorities often reflected the interests of those in power rather than the needs of the community.

3. Community Interaction: Officers were frequently recruited from local communities, which facilitated a certain level of community interaction. However, their loyalty to political figures often overshadowed their responsibility to the public.

4. Ineffectiveness and Corruption: The reliance on political connections often resulted in ineffective policing and rampant corruption, where police would serve the interests of their political sponsors at the expense of justice and public safety.

5. Transition to Professional Era: By the 1920s, there was growing concern over corruption and inefficiency in policing, leading to calls for reform. This initiated a transition to the Professional Era of policing, which emphasized merit, training, and professionalism in law enforcement.

In summary, the Political Era laid the groundwork for modern policing but also highlighted significant flaws in the system, prompting substantial reforms in the years to follow.