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Power and Pathology in German Police Institutions

NCJ Number
135993
Journal
International Criminal Justice Review Volume: 1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 121-127
Author(s)
E Fairchild
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Two books are reviewed in this article: Police and State in Prussia, 1815-1850 by Alf Ludtke, and Foundations of the Nazi Police State: The Formation of SIPO and SD by George Browder.
Abstract
The first describes the development of an oppressive bureaucratic force allied with the military to crush any signs of unrest fomented by the urban proletariat in 19th-century Prussia, while the second discusses the gradual takeover of the German police by agents of the National Socialist movement, thereby creating the prime agent for consolidating the totalitarian State. In addition to providing information on the historical evolution of German institutions, these books analyze the relationship between police, the reigning political order, social processes, and military institutions. Both authors note the importance to police forces of public legitimacy in order to operate effectively. Finally, the authors recognize the influence that organizational structures can have on police operations.

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