The purpose of law enforcement is to maintain peace and order in society. The police department consists of several branches, each responsible for a specific task.
The functions of uniformed police officers include traffic control, active crime response, and crime prevention. The officers that belong to this group are easily identifiable by the public.
Plainclothes police detectives do not wear uniforms. They engage in investigative work and are usually involved in a single case for long periods of time. They gather information partly by blending in with the crowd. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, they usually do not reveal that they are law enforcement officers. At times, they actually take on false identities during undercover operations.
There are also specialized groups within the department of law enforcement. The bomb squad is a group that deals primarily with explosives. A special unit called the narcotics department, or the NARCS, specializes in cases that deal with illegal substances. The most important police officers in terms of field operations are the members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. The members usually carry smaller, more powerful weapons that allow them to defend themselves during violent situations. They are also equipped with non-lethal weapons such as tear gas, concussion grenades, and rubber bullets, as well as protective bulletproof vests.
Even law enforcement officials have their own watchdogs. The Department of Internal Affairs deals with the overseeing investigations within the department. The scope of their work is limited to bribery, graft, and other methods and cases of internal corruption.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Law Enforcement Equipment
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Law enforcement agencies, commonly called the police, are tasked by the government to protect and serve the people. Proper equipment is a vital component of an effective law enforcement body. Standard equipment issued to a police officer includes a gun, a holster for the gun,...
-
Law Enforcement
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Most individuals have encountered a police officer at least once in their lives. Law enforcement officials maintain peace and order in society. Law enforcement officials are commonly known as police or police officers. The major role of the police is to discourage or prevent individuals...
-
Law Enforcement Degrees
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Law enforcement is the branch of the government responsible for maintaining peace and order in society. Just like in any other profession, it is best for you to have basic knowledge of how things work before you can start serving and protecting the people. You...
-
Law Enforcement Uniforms
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
What make police officers easily identifiable are the unique uniforms that they wear. The different branches of public servants have their own uniforms assigned to make them recognizable to the public. Law enforcement officers have one branch of uniformed police. They are required to wear...
-
History Of Law Enforcement
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Since the conception of society, law enforcement bodies have existed to protect citizens from criminals or to maintain the status quo and keep leaders in power. Dating back to Biblical times, there were military personnel tasked to maintain peace and order. In Egypt, for example,...
-
Police Misconduct
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Police forces are government organizations charged with the responsibility of preserving law and order and safeguarding the life and interests of the general public from harm. Police officers are the watchdogs that keep a check on the crime rate and discourage various forms of criminal...
-
Police Academy Training Videoes
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Most police training centers in the country have now started taping their training sessions and activities, not only to store them for future reference, but also to study changing techniques and rectify errors. Many police academies have video production departments which handle the taping, editing...
-
Used Police Cars
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A police car, police cruiser, squad car, radio car, or patrol car is a vehicle used by police forces in the United States to patrol and temporarily detain and transport individual criminal suspects. The use of police cars has basically replaced the ritual of officers...
-
Police Records
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A police record is a general term used to describe a compiled record of crimes that a person has committed or has supposedly committed. Usually in the United States, state and federal authorities keep records listing arrests, prosecutions, or convictions of an individual. Police records...
-
Federal Criminal Lawyers
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There are two types of lawyers that will handle a federal criminal case. Those working as federal prosecutors, also known as US Attorneys, who prosecute the majority of federal cases in federal court. The other type of lawyer is the federal defense lawyer. These are...