What technological advancement changed the style of policing in the 1950s to 1970s?

The technological advancement that significantly changed the style of policing during the 1950s to 1970s is the increased use of automobiles for patrol. This shift transformed how police operated, enabling them to cover larger areas more quickly and respond to incidents more efficiently. Prior to widespread automobile use, officers primarily relied on foot patrols, which limited their reach and effectiveness in rapidly urbanizing environments.

With the automobile, police could patrol neighborhoods and respond to calls for service at a much faster rate, leading to more proactive policing approaches. This also allowed for a quicker integration of law enforcement into the community, as officers became more visible throughout various regions. The mobility provided by vehicles shifted many police departments' operational strategies, moving away from a community-based, foot patrol approach to a more reactive style, where officers could quickly respond to incidents as they occurred.

While the use of radios and helicopters also played an important role in modernizing law enforcement, the fundamental shift in policing as a result of increased automobile travel had a profound impact on day-to-day operations and the overall effectiveness of police work during this period.