Role of the Police in Bringing Justice Flashcards
What is the aim of the police?
To detect and prevent crime, keep the peace and protect the public
To serve the law
What is the role of the police?
Citizens of Uniform - paid to do what citizens must do regardless (uphold the law)
Rely on the public - they are servants of the public and rely on approval
Physical force is a last resort and patrol/surveillance is preferred
What funding do the police receive and where does this come from?
2018/19 total police budget was £12.3 billion
Due to budget cuts 20,000 police officers were cut between 2010-18
Funded by:
Council tax
Central Government
National and Local Reach of the Police
One police force in Scotland
One police force in Northern Ireland
39 police forces in England and Wales
How does the PACE act affect the police?
Police have to follow this law which helps the pubic trust that the police will not abuse their power
What are Police and Crime Commissioners?
They are elected representatives of an are who cut crime and ensure that there is effective policing
They set budgets and control the chief constable
What theories support the police?
Foucault Panopticon
Milgram - fear of punishment
How does the role of the police achieve social control?
They enforce the laws onto society to prevent crime due to fear of punishment - maintain order by handling domestic violence calls, noise violations etc
How does police funding affect their ability to carry out social control?
Increase in crime and decrease in police budgets has affected social control as there are less police to patrol local areas
Why are unarmed police less effective in achieving social control?
They are less intimidating than armed police officers and so are less effective in achieving social control
What is the police’s relationship with the prison and probation service
Share information with other agencies to assess and manage violent/sexual offenders to protect the public from harm - affects social control as they ensure offenders attend court
What is the police’s relationship with the CPS?
Given advice on charging suspects so that it is a fair punishment and CPS have a 24 hour advice line
How do token economies in prisons carry out social control?
Earn benefits in exchange for desirable/favourable behaviour
Benefits include tv for working/desirable behaviour
This is proven to reduce self harm
