Description
Book SynopsisIn Everyone a Sheriff, the word "sheriff" serves as a metaphor for programs involving citizens in social control initiatives. Partnership between community members and their local police force is at the heart of any effective strategy aimed at reducing urban crime and insecurity. Ordinary community residents represent a vast, untapped resource in the fight against crime, disorder, and fear. The real story of citizens long association with the policing function is revealed. The book highlights include: an in-depth examination of volunteerism primarily at the law enforcement level; the importance of preparing youth and minorities for careers in policing and homeland security; the need for transitioning police and citizen volunteers from serving not only as peacekeepers, but becoming "peacemakers"; a realistic view of various pitfalls when regular and volunteer police are thrust into patterns of co-existence when fighting crime out on the street or seeking solutions to crime; numerous examples of current police-sponsored citizen academies, police cadet and junior deputy programs; histories of the invention of police and citizen-supported neighborhood crime watch programs. The only way to successfully cross the divide between the police and public is to give meaning to the phrase: "the police are the people, and the people are the police."
Trade ReviewEveryone a Sheriff illustrates the importance of citizen involvement for the health and wellbeing of our communities. The theoretical perspective is supported by practical national and international examples to stress how community engagement and collaborative partnerships are beneficial to all involved. In other words, safety is everyone's responsibility.
-- Detective Beth Sanborn, School Resource Officer, Lower Gwynedd Police
Greenberg’s book is a refreshing and necessary conversation for the future of the criminal justice field. The historical and current citizen roles in policing provide a well-rounded discussion and demonstrate the need for community support in policing.
-- Shavonne Arthurs, Seton Hill University
Though much was already known about public law enforcement, private police forces, private security entities, police ancillary groups, community groups that assist in preventing and solving crimes, and the use of confidential informants, the reading of Everyone a Sheriff: The Democratization of Crime Prevention in America was catalytic. The book reveals an abundance of practices for the engagement of the citizenry in service and order maintenance functions. Author Martin Greenberg captures the “big picture” thinking necessary to perpetually prepare today’s policing environment for tomorrow through the integration of more innovative roles and expanded partnerships. The author’s underlying central thesis is compellingly presented in both content and context.
-- Dr. Delmar Wright, Saint Leo University
Everyone a Sheriff presents a very detailed history of volunteered public service in American History. More specifically, the author makes a solid argument for his case for partnership in crime control; and citizenship involvement in policing. In other words, for crime control, while police play the role of Batman figure, the public becomes the sidekick, Robin, because crime cannot be eradicated without help from the crowd. The book's simplistic but vibrant language style makes it very easy to read, making the reader's journey from policing ancient times to America's modern-day metropolises as smooth as it gets. The vivid descriptions of each historical anecdote event and figure make me feel like living the era and specific time again. The book has done a great job by delving into the origin story of almost every significant organization and introducing the many historical faces in America.
-- Hasan T. Arslan, PhD, Division of Justice and Law Administration, Western Connecticut State University
Dr. Greenberg provides historical context and uses a sociological perspective to explore the important role citizens play in community safety. He presents an evidence-based framework to develop better approaches to crime prevention moving forward. Breaking down divisions between officer and citizen through volunteerism can help develop mutual respect and understanding among these two, often divided, groups. By engaging the help of community members, including youth, through voluntary partnerships, promising potential for greater safety and improved police-citizen relationships emerges. Through detailed research of existing and historical programs, Dr. Greenberg offers a refreshing perspective and gives hope during some dark times.
-- Dr. Beth Easterling, Mary Baldwin University
Table of ContentsChapter 1: The Invention of the Police
Chapter 2: Teen Involvement in Military and Homeland Defense
Chapter 3: Public Service Programs for Youth
Chapter 4: The Neighborhood Watch Program
Chapter 5: Adult Citizen and Junior Police Academies
Chapter 6: Volunteer Police: United Kingdom, Former Soviet Union, and Russia
Chapter 7: VIPS, Civil Defense, and the Detroit Experience
Chapter 8: Peacemaking and Community Prosecution
Chapter 9: The Citizen’s Role in Gun Violence Reduction
Chapter 10: The Citizen’s Role in School Safety
Conclusion: The Citizen’s Role in Crime Prevention
