Forging the "Iron Fist" Inside the "Velvet Glove": a Case Study in the Character and Culture of a Police Paramilitary Unit

<p>Does community policing signal the diminishment of coercive policing? Recent trends indicate the opposite. There may be an increase in the number and a significant change in the use of police paramilitary units. This case study uses quantitative data, field research and in-depth interviews to inquire into a Southern police department's past and current use of their Emergency Response Unit. Through the research, a more revealing look at the overall paramilitary policing culture, attitudes, legitimization, and tactics was gained and several important cultural themes were developed. Findings include that while this department publicizes themselves as community policing oriented, it has also significantly broadened the role of their paramilitary unit. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Justice Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

1996

Author dc:creator

• Paulsen, Derek J.

• police
• paramilitary forces
• community policing
• Criminology and Criminal Justice

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1996 Derek J. Paulsen

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/97

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1096