Week Two Read Me First

Police organization

Introduction

Community members strive to protect themselves from crime and threats of violence. As individuals, people protect themselves the best they can. Accordingly, how is this accomplished in today’s society? Today, public and private police play a major role in the provision of protection. At times, there is a deep division between the police and private security. The changing status of these two groups can cause some of the problems associated with this complex issue. The purposes served by the police and private protection organizations are varied. One entity can arrest, the other entity cannot; one entity is funded by the government and taxes, and the other entity is funded by an individual.

This Week in Relation to the Course

In Week Two, the role and the function of police in America will be discussed. The police department is just one component of a larger, complex system. The primary functions of a police department are the protection of life and property, the preservation of peace and order, safe movement of traffic, provision for emergency service, and the delivery of effective and efficient quality service. The department personnel can include sworn police officers and civilian members. The control of the police department is vested in a chief executive or an administrative head of the agency and is subject to the authority of the executive branch of government. The chief is responsible to the executive branch for properly administering and commanding the department, suppressing crime, and executing department policies, rules, and procedures. The chief of police is delegated such power and authority as necessary to fulfill his or her duties and responsibilities.

Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective

Consider that police departments are professional organizations comprised of men and women who are tasked with guarding and protecting society. Professional organizations are distinguished by extensive and continuing professional training, shared understanding of and commitment to the values of the profession, extensive lateral