Book excerpt: This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. For courses in Introduction to Law Enforcement. A current and practical look at policing practices from a big-picture perspective. Law Enforcement in the 21st Century keeps readers up-to-date in this ever-evolving field providing a synthesis of the latest research literature with practical insights from the field. The important theme of linkage blindness is a central theme throughout, highlighting the multi-jurisdictional complexities of policing in the United States and abroad. Linkage blindness is then used as an important pedagogical tool to frame realistic critical-thinking exercises. The Fourth Edition reflects the many challenges that have faced policing in the recent months and years. New chapter introductions — drawn from contemporary issues related to the use of force, community relations, and gun control — update the text for the current classroom. New concepts are added to the discussion, including student appreciation for the importance of police legitimacy. Greater attention is also paid to new technologies being piloted across the United States.