Role of the police Flashcards
Name four main roles or functions of the police.
To maintain law and order
To detect criminals
Crime prevention
Public protection
What is meant by Law and order?
This is when police are most visible by patrolling the streets on foot or by car. Officers are also able to arrest people they have witnessed committing a crime or they suspect are committing a crime. Many people believe having a strong police presence will deter crime. The officers can also stop and search people that they suspect might have drugs, weapons, and stolen property on the peron.
What is detect crime?
When a crime has been reported to police or has been witnessed by officers, the next step is to investigate it.
Evidence may be gathered to support any future court proceedings such as:
Forensic evidence (fingerprints, hair samples, blood samples, etc)
Witness statements
Evidence from CCTV, home security cameras, dashcams, mobile phone footage.
What is crime prevention?
A considerable amount of police resources are spent on educating people on how to look after their possessions and informing the public of the consequences of particular crimes, such as knife-carrying or drink-driving.
For example, Police Scotland launch regular campaigns to highlight driving issues or how to protect possessions in cars.
What is protecting the public?
A great deal of Police Scotland’s more visible work is managing large crowds often at big sporting occasions or demonstrations.
The priorities are public safety and ensuring that those present do not break the law.
