What characterizes the first era of policing in the 1900's-1940's?

The first era of policing from the 1900s to the 1940s is characterized by the strong influence of political forces on law enforcement. During this time, police departments were often closely aligned with local political leaders, which meant that authority largely stemmed from politicians who controlled the police forces. As a result, policing practices were frequently shaped by political agendas rather than professional standards or community needs.

Additionally, this era saw a limited emphasis on crime prevention strategies or community engagement, which was more prominent in the later eras of policing. Instead, the focus was primarily on maintaining order and responding to incidents as they occurred, rather than fostering relationships with the community or providing social services. Thus, the correct characterization of this era highlights the significant political motivations and social service functions that defined policing during this period.