What Are the Responsibilities of the Police?
The primary responsibility of the police is to protect citizens from harm and danger, advocate for victims of crimes and promote the accountability of criminals by enforcing laws set forth by the city, state and country. The police are also responsible for responding to 911 calls, interviewing witnesses and victims of crimes, investigating crimes in an attempt to secure criminals and making arrests.
The responsibilities of the police also extend to enforcing laws that exist by ensuring drivers are obeying traffic laws, patrolling high-traffic areas and communities within the department’s jurisdiction to protect the safety of community members and questioning suspicious activity while on patrol. Police are also responsible for responding to emergency situations that require medical attention and may need to perform first-aid duties until medical assistance arrives on the scene. Responsibilities of the police are often heightened during natural disasters. For example, the police may be called on to search homes for survivors following a tornado or earthquake. In addition, police are also responsible for maintaining order during riots or protests. To perform the job duties of a police officer, members of the police force train frequently on community safety, firearm use, laws and rules of order and ethics.
