Public Order Standards: Moving the Public Trust Needle Forward

The chapter 'Public Order Standards: Moving the Public Trust Needle Forward' delves into the critical need for national standards in public order policing in the USA. It begins by highlighting the constitutional rights guaranteed by the First Amendment and the complexities of policing public order events. The text underscores the importance of standardization in promoting professionalism and public trust, drawing on examples like the NYPD's response to the Crown Heights riots. It also discusses the lack of consensus and training in public order policing, which has led to mistrust and misinterpretation of police actions. The chapter advocates for the creation of national standards to improve training, equipment, and response strategies, emphasizing the need for specialized public order units. It concludes by highlighting the benefits of standardization in enhancing transparency, effectiveness, and public trust in policing.