AC3.1/.3/.4 POLICE

Question 1

what is the role of the police (aims & objectives)

Answer 1

protection of life and property
investigate crime
make arrests and detain
crime prevention
collect evidence

Question 2

What are the aims of the police (funding)

Answer 2

£12 billion annual
funded from:
Home Office
local council tax
some from commercial events

Question 3

What are the aims of the police (philosophy)

Answer 3

1. use of force (link to external forces of social control)
2. challenging & reporting improper behavior (enforcing laws ensures society conforms)

Question 4

what are the working practices of the police?

Answer 4

43 regional police forces in E&W
different roles specialise in certain areas
e.g, Sussex Police focused on keeping women safe on the streets.

Question 5

what are the limitations of the police?

Answer 5

cases including: Colin Stagg, Hillsborough disaster and Stephen Lawrence

Finance:
budget cuts (2010 and 2018 fallen by 19%)

Civil Liberties & Legal Barriers:
basic rights and freedoms
Human Rights Act 1998 (right to fair trial)
e.g, Abu Hamza: preaching violence made difficult for police to arrest due to freedom of speech laws.

Local & National Policies:
limits the ability of the police to achieve social control (have to prioritise certain events over others)

Question 6

what are the strengths of the police?

Answer 6

+high numbers of cases to trial due to police investigating
+recruiting new officers
stats show downward trend in offending over past 2 decades
+now more officers from ethnic minorities

Question 7

overall judgement on effectiveness.

Answer 7

Are effective at investigation, shown in high success in prosecution however are hindered by funding as this means there are less officers and increases time for processes. Also public perception can be significantly influenced by errors/racism and sexism.