AC 3.1 - Role of the Police in Social Control

Question 1

What is the Aim of the Police? (1 point)

Answer 1

• Reduce crime & maintain law and order

Question 2

Outline the Role of the Police? (3 points)

Answer 2

• Protection of life & property, preservation of the peace, and prevention & detection of crime
• Working alongside communities & having statutory powers of: arrest, detention, search, interview
• Powers are continued in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984)

Question 3

How are the Police funded? (2 points)

Answer 3

• Central government grant made available through the annual Home Officer Police Grant report & council tax
• Can also charge for some of their special services. Above core policing at the request of a person or organisations such as football matches

Question 4

What is the Philosophy of the Police? (5 points)

Answer 4

• Fairness
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Openness
• Respect

Question 5

Outline the Working Practises of the Police (4 points)

Answer 5

• Working alongside communities to develop knowledge & conduct patrol duties
• Respond to calls & requests from the public to assist at incidents
• Keep peace at public meetings and social events
• Conduct arrests and interview suspects, victims & witnesses

Question 6

What types of criminality & offenders do the Police work with? (4 points)

Answer 6

‘Specialist roles’ in the police, with branches covering a wide range. E.G:

• Anti-terrorism
• Covert operations
• Firearms
• Dog Handlers

Question 7

What is the Reach of the Police? (2 points)

Answer 7

45 territorial police services in the UK
- 39 in England
- 4 in Wales
- Single force each in Scotland and N. Ireland

• There are also some national law enforcement agencies, including National Care Agency & the British Transport Police

Question 8

What is the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)? (3 points)

Answer 8

• Regionally elected. Hampshire = Donna Jones (2021)

According to the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners (2017), they are:

• “The voice of the people and hold the police to account with an aim to cut crime and deliver an effective & efficient police service within the area”

Question 9

What is a Police Community Support Officer (PSCOs)? (2 points)

Answer 9

• Work on the frontline providing a visible and reassuring presence on the streets and tackling anti-social behaviour
• Also, Special Constables who are trained volunteers possessing the full range of policing powers; give up spare time to provide policing support - not paid but can claim reasonable expenses