Role Of Police In Contemporary Society

The role of police in contemporary society is undoubtedly complex and multifaceted. First and foremost, I believe that the police officer’s job description falls within the category of public servant. Therefore, the precise role (i.e. responsibilities) of the police must be considered in light of the various tasks that an officer should perform for the public while on the job. In my opinion, the three most critical tasks of the police include assistance, protection, and law enforcement. In order to properly fulfill the task of public assistance, the officer must respond to emergency calls and other less critical requests from citizens within the community. Certain examples of responses to calls and requests could include: 1) noise complaints,

fairs or parades) in order to demonstrate a cohesion between the police and the public. Maintaining a constant and positive presence in the community helps the police to preserve the trust and respect of the public. In terms of limitations placed on police assistance, I believe that all actions of service by law enforcement should respect the fundamental rights and privacies of citizens. If no immediate danger or law violation presents itself, an officer should wait until they are specifically requested to intervene in matters of private interest. Protection is the second vital role of the police in contemporary society, which is closely linked to the third duty of law enforcement. The obligation of the police to provide protection extends to a substantial number of tasks, which are each presented in differing levels of severity. On an more minor level, the police must protect citizens by enforcing seemingly inconsequential laws such as speed limits, missing taillight penalties, and jaywalking violations.

While the police are entrusted with a great deal of responsibility (i.e. assistance, protection, and law enforcement), I do believe that their role should be constrained in terms of 1) limitations on police discretion (especially as it pertains to the use of force), 2) strict procedural laws to reduce rights violations, and 3) limiting assistance to requests in matters of private