What changes may need to be made to effectively address critical issues in the future of policing?

One of the most critical issues facing the field of policing (both today and in the future) is public relations and perception. Two factors that can be be addressed to improve public relations and perception are the issues of the attitude of 'law enforcement' and revenue generation.

One of the primary roles of modern police forces is revenue generation for municipalities. This is done through issuance of citations and arrest quotas (which generate revenue through the court and probationary services). Nobody likes the tax man, and that's what the police have allowed themselves to become.

The next issue that needs to be addressed is the mentality that police are supposed to be 'law enforcers.' This is a result of them becoming revenue generators. There should be a return to the days when police were 'peace officers,' when there was only intervention as needed - not whenever it could be imposed.