What do Police Do and How Effective are They

A detailed Summary of What do Police Do and How Effective are They

What do police do and how effective are they?

The police force constitutes a very influential and active part of the criminal justice system and social cohesion as a whole. In any common law country, they stand as the "most visible and critically viewed component of the criminal justice system." In order to address the question at hand and fully examine the role and effectiveness of the police force, we must look at two factors. Firstly, examine the face, which the police represent - that is their styles, philosophies, ethics, attitudes and conduct. And secondly, examine their performance - their roles, practices, duties and achievements. This essay will attempt to address various aspects of policing, both traditional and modern day policing, thus including community policing, women in policing and police powers and accountability. There are many facets to the roles and functions of policing, for example whether or not they stand as a force or service, this essay will explore some of these, and ultimately the police forces detrimental and imperative impact on any democratic society.

To fully understand the question at hand, it is necessary, that we firstly address the history of policing. The history of policing,

as we know it today dates back to Sir Robert Peel in 1829. It is from the nine principles that Peel formulated in 1829 that the concept of policing emerged. It is important to note that despite their age, the principles constructed by Peel are still very relevant to modern day policing. For the purpose of this essay however, I will make most reference to the history and functions of Victoria Police. During the years 1836 - 1852 there was no such thing as a Victorian police force, it was officially "established on the 3rd January 1853". At such time there was a total of 875 men, aiding a Victorian population of approximately 168,000 people. Police culture has had an immense impact on Australian Society, with examples ranging from the Eureka Stockade and the hunt of Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang, all of which hold a significant aspect of not only the police history in Australia but Australian history altogether.

Police aim to provide a service to the community, one, which ultimately attempts to maintain social cohesion. The service preformed by police is not only effective in its application but also a pinnacle point in any democratic society. Policing in Australia has emerged from traditional philosophies, to a face of policing that is "inextricably linked with leadership." Modern day policing and the roles and functions in which their purpose lye, is about "making things happen - not merely expressing them in conference, conversation or in written word", but clearly providing a service, one that is effective. The purpose of this essay was not political, neither an attempt to justify alternatives to policing in general. Yet I find it important to note, considering the alternatives - vigilantes, military forces or mere anarchy, the ability to have an active and effective police force and criminal justice system, is a detrimental and crucial factor in any common law country.

When examining the roles preformed by police, and ultimately their effectiveness, the type of policing must be evaluated. Traditional policing as discussed refers to the "emphasis to activity or behaviour after it has occurred' and includes "crime prevention strategies based upon armed response capabilities as a deterrent to possible crime commission." The pro-active approach of community based policing differs from traditional as "it allows officers freedom to expand their jobs" whilst "requires police officers to learn a host of new skills." Community policing officers tend to become more active within the community, hence the words community policing. However, by adopting this modern day strategy of community policing, police officers have a daunting task of having to practice and learn new philosophies of law enforcement. Which in some cases has resulted in "law and order practitioners confusion and, in many cases, disenchantment." Traditional policing primary role is a broad aspect relating to crime fighting, whilst community policing seeks to keep the peace. In a brief measure of the eff

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Approximate Word count = 2037
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: People