What Police And Detectives Do

Question

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.

Duties

Police officers, detectives and criminal investigators typically do the following:

• Enforce laws.

• Respond to emergency and nonemergency calls.

• Patrol assigned areas.

• Conduct traffic stops and issue citations.

• Search for vehicle records and warrants using computers in the field.

• Obtain warrants and arrest suspects.

• Collect and secure evidence from crime scenes.

• Observe the activities of suspects.

• Write detailed reports and fill out forms.

• Prepare cases and testify in court.

Police officers pursue and apprehend people who break the law. They then warn, cite or arrest them. Most police officers patrol their jurisdictions and investigate suspicious activity. They also respond to calls, issue traffic tickets and give first aid to accident victims.

Detectives perform investigative duties, such as gathering facts and collecting evidence.

The daily activities of police and detectives vary with their occupational specialty, such as canine units and special weapons and tactics (SWAT). Job duties differ at the local, state or federal level. Duties differ among federal agencies because they enforce different aspects of the law. Regardless of job duties or location, police officers and detectives at all levels must write reports and keep detailed records that will be needed if they testify in court. Most carry law enforcement tools, such as radios, handcuffs and guns.

State And Local Law Enforcement

Uniformed police officers have general law enforcement duties. They wear uniforms that allow the public to easily recognize them as police officers. They have regular patrols and also respond to emergency and nonemergency calls. During patrols, officers look for any signs of criminal activity and may conduct searches and arrest suspected criminals.

Some police officers work only on a specific type of crime, such as narcotics. Officers, especially those working in large departments, may work in special units, such as horseback, motorcycle, canine corps, and special weapons and tactics (SWAT). Typically, officers must work as patrol officers for a certain number of years before they may be appointed to a special unit.

Some agencies, such as public college and university police forces, public school police and transit police, have special geographic and enforcement responsibilities.

State police officers, sometimes called state troopers or highway patrol officers, have many of the same duties as other police officers, but they may spend more time enforcing traffic laws and issuing traffic citations. State police officers have authority to work anywhere in the state and are frequently called on to help other law enforcement agencies, especially those in rural areas or small towns.

Transit and railroad police patrol railroad yards and transit stations. They protect property, employees, and passengers from crimes such as thefts and robberies. They remove trespassers from railroad and transit properties and check IDs of people who try to enter secure areas.

Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs enforce the law on the county level. Sheriffs' departments tend to be relatively small. Sheriffs are usually elected by the public and do the same work as a local or county police chief. Some sheriffs' departments do the same work as officers in urban police departments. Others mainly operate the county jails and provide services in local courts. Police and sheriffs' deputies who provide security in city and county courts are sometimes called bailiffs.

Detectives and criminal investigators are uniformed or plainclothes investigators who gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives usually specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or fraud. Detectives are typically assigned cases on a rotating basis and work on them until an arrest and trial are completed or until the case is dropped.

Fish and game wardens enforce fishing, hunting and boating laws. They patrol fishing and hunting areas, conduct search and rescue operations, investigate complaints and accidents, and educate the public about laws pertaining to the outdoors. Federal fish and game wardens are often referred to as Federal Wildlife Officers.Write a critique of the article. How well does the author explain the various careers in law enforcement? How well does the structure of the article contribute to its effectiveness as a source of information?

Response

Answer 1

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the various roles and responsibilities within law enforcement, specifically focusing on police officers, detectives, and other related positions. The author successfully outlines the core duties associated with these careers, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of law enforcement.

Content and Explanation of Careers:

The author effectively delineates the primary functions of police officers and detectives, detailing their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. By breaking down duties into clearly defined bullet points, the article enhances readability and allows for quick reference. Furthermore, the differentiation between various law enforcement roles—such as state police, transit police, sheriffs, and specialized units like SWAT—adds depth to the discussion and acknowledges the diversity within the field.

However, while the article covers a broad spectrum of law enforcement roles, it could have benefitted from deeper exploration into the skills and competencies required for these positions. For instance, a discussion on the psychological aspects of policing, community relations, or the impact of technology on modern law enforcement could provide a more holistic understanding of the challenges and nuances officers face today.

Structure and Effectiveness:

The structure of the article is largely effective, with a logical flow that allows readers to easily navigate through various topics. The use of headings and bullet points aids in organizing information systematically, which is particularly helpful for individuals unfamiliar with law enforcement terminology or career paths.

However, the article could be improved with the inclusion of subheadings that clearly mark transitions between sections. Although the information is organized, there are instances where the text blends together, potentially confusing readers attempting to discern the distinctions between different law enforcement roles.

Additionally, while the descriptions provided are informative, integrating real-life examples, anecdotes, or case studies could enhance readers' engagement and provide context to the duties discussed. This would not only enrich the narrative but also evoke a better understanding of the impact of law enforcement professionals on communities.

Conclusion:

In summary, the author does an admirable job of outlining the various careers within law enforcement, describing duties, and highlighting the differences among roles. The article is structurally sound, allowing for easy navigation; however, it would benefit from a more in-depth exploration of the skills involved, the challenges faced by law enforcement personnel, and the incorporation of relatable examples. Overall, with minor adjustments, the article could serve as an even more effective resource for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or simply seeking to understand this vital sector better.