Grounded in evidence-based research, Police in America provides a comprehensive and realistic introduction to modern-day policing in the United States. This reader-friendly text helps students understand best practices in everyday policing and think critically about the many misconceptions of police work. Author Steven G. Brandl draws from his experience with law enforcement to emphasize the positive aspects of policing without ignoring its controversies. Brandl tackles important topics that center on one question: "What is good policing?" Included are discussions of discretion, police use of force, and tough ethical and moral dilemmas - giving students a deeper look into the complex issues of policing to help them think more broadly about its impact on society.