The Police are a constituted body empowered by the State with the legal competence to enforce the law and protect public order. They have a monopoly on the use of force and are often referred to as the “police power.” Police scholars, however, have criticized this popular understanding of police because it is too narrow. In fact, police have many more tasks than the mere enforcement of the law or maintenance of order. They deal with such diverse problems as crime, accidents, fires, disturbances, disasters, riots and civil unrest, public health epidemics, and calamities.
Patrols assigned area in radio equipped car; answers calls for service involving the protection of life and property; investigates burglaries, hold-ups, robberies, aggravated assaults, family disputes, disgruntled tenants, automobile accidents and other criminal incidents. Interrogates victims, witnesses and suspects; collects, preserves and tests evidence; prepares reports; testifies in court; performs emergency first responder duties at scenes of accidents and other incidents.
Maintains contacts with residents in assigned areas to promote public safety and trust; attends neighborhood association meetings and other community functions; provides crime prevention information to citizens; and advises people on self protection techniques. Checks alarm systems; patrols and inspects buildings, residences and vacant houses to detect signs of unauthorized entry or break-ins; and makes house and apartment checks.
Identifies and analyzes problem situations; develops problem responses and conducts investigations as necessary; carries out these problems responses; and evaluates effectiveness of response. Observes and evaluates traffic conditions; controls access to accident scenes; reroutes or directs traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency or congested conditions.