Even with the increased training and accountability that accompanied the Peelian model of policing, the next sixty years of policing were dominated by politics. Policing was an important part of the political patronage system, a system in which political candidates rewarded citizens who provided support during the election (Roberg et al. 2012). After the elections, officials rewarded individuals with police jobs. Due to political pressures, the police are now used as a tool in the political machine's struggle to maintain control (Roberg et al. 2012). The character of policing frequently changed after each new election. By the turn of the 20th century, criticism was growing that local police departments were ineffective and illegitimate. During this period, the Progressive Era, many changes were occurring in America. Urbanization attracted many people to the large, increasingly industrial cities of the time. City officials have had to rethink many facets of urban life as cities continue to grow. This atmosphere of reform has also trickled down to the police. Robertg et al. argues that the 1920s to 1960s were “probably the most important period in the development of policing in the United States” (2012). During this period, the foundations of professionalization were laid. The policing reform model dominated police work during this period (Roberg et al. 2012). This model was characterized by a commitment to basing the police-community relationship on law and police policy. It is now understood that police action must not be influenced by political considerations or personal opinions. To avoid this, police departments were now managed efficiently and centrally amid paperwork, transparency issues and psychological problems. By recognizing different situations earlier, they are able to quickly execute the most appropriate course of action. Proponents of police professionalization want to increase police training requirements as a solution. Many support increasing the educational requirement to a four-year degree. More than half of Minnesota police officers already have a four-year degree. Additionally, some police departments already have strict training requirements, such as Arlington, Texas. The Arlington, Texas Police Department has instituted a set of strict hiring standards, including the possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college by each officer (Arlington Police Department 2013 ). This is quite unique, especially for the state of Texas, which only requires a high school diploma or GED to obtain a police license..