Western Europe

Modern policing began in Europe, with law-enforcement agencies that originated in municipalities such as London and Paris serving as models for those in other locations. These institutions, with their rich traditions of preventing transnational crimes, have greatly affected how many nations perceive and administer justice. Recent trends and developments, however, have altered some of these practices. Globalization has caused a tremendous streamlining of many of the rules and regulations that traditionally impeded transnational business dealings. A similar change has occurred with regard to transnational crime, which is more sophisticated and multifaceted than ever before. Ways of conceptualizing law enforcement and administering justice have recently evolved to meet these challenges.