ASC and Gus Vollmer's Living Room Meeting in 1941 - CANCELLED

• In Event: Historical Perspectives on Policing

Abstract

As the American Society of Criminology (ASC) marks its 80th anniversary, it is important to reflect on its origins and evolution. The foundation of ASC can be traced back to a meeting held on December 30, 1941, in the Berkley living room of August Vollmer, a pioneering figure in police professionalization. This presentation will explore the development of the ASC from that initial gathering, examining its original purpose and the trajectory it has taken over the past eight decades. Additionally, the legacy of Vollmer will be analyzed in the context of recent social justice movements, considering the evolving expectations of policing in a democratic society.

Author

• Brandon Kooi, Aurora University