the police Flashcards
what is the police?
Their role is to maintain law and order; protect members of the public and their property; and prevent, detect and investigate crime.
Key roles:
protecting life and property
preserving order
preventing the commission of offences
bringing offenders to justice
They are governed by multiple pieces of legislation such as PACE 1984 and The Human Rights Act 1998.
what are the specific departments within the police?
There are currently 43 constabularies in England and Wales.
There are many specialist services and departments within the police force, for example:
Drugs Squad
Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
Economic Crimes Unit
Special Branch (deals with terrorism offences)
In addition to the police force there are also other agencies responsible for tackling crime.
what are the roles of the police?
The police are responsible for enforcing the law and taking action against those who break it.
They arrest, detain and question suspects in accordance with legal obligations.
They are also responsible for investigating who has committed a crime.
Monitor all criminal activity and respond to emergency calls.
Provide a policing service to the community, for example patrols.
Work in partnership with other community organisations.
Testify in court.
The police also maintain public order and ensure that citizens are able to go about their everyday lives without fear of intimidation or harassment.
The physical presence of the police in our communities serves both to prevent crime and to provide us with a sense of reassurance that is especially important in helping overcome the fear of crime.
