Police
Officers
People depend on police officers to protect their lives and property. Law
enforcement offices perform these duties in a variety of ways. Police work can
be dangerous and stressful. Policing symbolizes structure, rules and control. Police officers are government employees whose functions are protecting life and property
preserving the peace detecting and preventing crime and maintaining public order through the applications of law. Police officers are able to spend time fighting serious crime as civilians, police departments and private
security personnel increasingly assume route police duties. (U.S.D.L.)
In order to understand comp temporary law enforcement we should recognize the conditions that impact the profession. It is agreed upon by many that major changes in law enforcement occur every five years.
(Territio and Taylor)
During the past two decades major changes in the viewpoint of society towards police officers as the symbol of trust
and dignity. The technological advances of communication and information systems
in law enforcement and the revision of selection and hiring practices for police officers.
Organizational changes occur both as a result of internal and external agents ( Territo and Taylor).
Police officers have contemplated for years over the key to maintaining a positive image for their organization. Unfortunately several incidents in the past years have altered society’s perception
of police in some communities. “Law enforcement agencies nationwide have
been shaken by controversy and forced to make undesirable concessions” (U.S. Department of Labor).
As citizens spend more time working with the police they learn more about the police function. Experience has shown that as citizens knowledge
of the police increases their respect for the police increases as well. “The
image of police might benefit from the implementation of community Involved programs in today’s organizations”
(U.S. D. L.).
