Check Point

Police and Law Enforcement Response

Kimberly E Bond

CJS / 200

Friday January 17, 2014

Crystal Wagoner

Police and Law Enforcement Response

In 1748 the first known police officers entered into society. They were known as the Bow Street Runners based in England. The role of police in society has changed quite drastically since then but their main purpose still remains the same, to uphold the law and to maintain peace and order within society. They protect society from those who do not follow the law by investigating, arresting, and presenting all evidence pertaining to the matter for prosecution if needed.

If the role of police were to be lessened as it applies to the theory and practice of community policing it would present problems with solving crimes throughout each jurisdiction. The different departments would not work together making it more difficult to solve cases, collect evidence and protect society from criminals. This would inadvertently cause crime to rise and those individuals who wish not to follow the law will continue committing crimes or possibly more heinous crimes against society.

In order to make an arrest an officer must have evidence or what is known as probable cause in order to take an individual into custody. In order for an officer to rely on probable cause they must have sufficient belief or evidence there has been a crime committed before they search a person or their property and before they are able to arrest the individual. Without either of these no arrest or search can be made.

Some of these issues can be improved to aid police organizations in combating crime through continual development of newer technology as well as agencies specific to cross jurisdictions. Also educating the public to the importance of becoming more pro-active in speaking up when they have witnessed a crime. The police can only do so much and it is important for society to help as much as they can in order to control...