Police Functions free essay sample

First, it is important to establish what the functions are of police agencies. The functions include: enforcing the laws, arresting the offenders, preventing crime, providing service to those in need, and keeping the peace. Each of these functions overlaps and has Impacts on the others. Enforcing the laws made by government sometimes includes arresting the offenders and results In preserving the peace. It also may help prevent future crime. Officers must know the laws they are enforcing and their priorities in the community.When arresting, feces must be able dodo so In a manner that Is safe for all involved. Being able to correctly handle the situation could mean life or death. Law enforcement officers who are able to anticipate potential crime risks can work to prevent future crimes. This works to improve public relations and community support. Providing services includes things like helping victims, managing medical emergencies, or assisting when a vehicle breaks down. We will write a custom essay sample on Police Functions or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All of these functions as well as simply having a police presence help to keep the peace in the community.This list of functions is simply a road view of the many services and roles that law enforcement officers are responsible for. Police agencies are organized into three levels: federal, state, and local. At each level, the above functions coincide with Job roles and responsibilities that are different on each level. At the local level, law enforcement officers have the most interaction with the public. In smaller communities the police may not be arresting as many offenders, but they may have other duties to cover Jobs that the town cannot afford to hire more personnel to perform.Larger communities with overall precincts may have specific departments to cover different Job responsibilities. At the state level, state departments work to assist smaller communities, patrol highways, and work crimes that fall under state Jurisdiction. The federal police agency has many departments each concerning a different type of crime that affects the safety of the citizens at a federal level. A certain crime can be looked at by each level and decided if it falls under their Jurisdiction. For instance a speeding ticket can be given too citizen by a local law enforcement officer.The state lice may have Jurisdiction if that ticket was given on a state highway. However, the federal law enforcement agent may get Involved If there were hazardous substances involved. With overlapping and coordination between the levels of law enforcement all crimes are covered in all areas. Local officers are responsible in their community; state officers control what happens within the entire state; and local agencies involve themselves In anything that may affect the nations safety and peace as well as International situations.It Is the level of crime committed, as well as the location It Is omitted that determines which police agency has Jurisdiction and will be handling 1 OFF would probably face higher crime, more violence, and a lower quality of life. Although Just having a police presence is a crime deterrent, if the criminal knew that police had limited Jurisdiction or was unable to apprehend the criminal or defend the neighborhood, the criminal would commit the crime right in front of the police. Robert Kennedy said, Every society gets the kind of cri minal it deserves.What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it insists n (Coquettes. Com). By limiting the roles and functions of the police, the community is limiting the amount of Justice when a crime has been committed. The better answer is to begin programs to promote community relations between the police and the neighborhoods they serve. These programs would enable a working relationship between the officer and the citizens, forming trust, respect, and opening lines of communication. In summary, the functions of police agencies may be very base, but their roles and responsibilities are complex.