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.What role does this career play in society and the economy? Write two paragraphs using details from the article.

Answer 1

The roles of police officers, detectives, and criminal investigators are crucial to maintaining safety, security, and order within society. By enforcing laws and responding to both emergency and nonemergency calls, these professionals protect lives, property, and community well-being. Their proactive patrols deter criminal activity, while their investigative duties—such as gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and preparing cases for court—help ensure that justice is served. The presence of uniformed officers and specialized units like SWAT not only enhance public trust and confidence in the law enforcement system but also provide a sense of security that allows communities to thrive. By handling various types of crime, such as narcotics or homicide, detectives play a significant role in addressing community-specific issues, further promoting public safety.

Moreover, the economic impact of law enforcement careers is significant as these professionals contribute to the stability of communities, which fosters an environment conducive to business and economic development. By upholding the rule of law and reducing crime rates, police officers and detectives create a foundation for economic growth—enabling businesses to operate without fear of criminal interference. Additionally, specialized law enforcement agencies, like transit police and game wardens, add value by ensuring public safety in specific sectors, thus supporting industries related to transportation and wildlife. Ultimately, the work of these law enforcement professionals not only protects individuals and property but also strengthens the overall fabric of society, contributing to a more stable and prosperous economy.