ABSTRACT
Police agencies provide a variety of services to the communities they serve, ranging from travelers aid through ambulance service. This chapter focuses on the law-enforcing duties of police agencies because of our interest in criminal justice, it is also important to remember that other demands are placed on police. The peacekeeping function of police is far more important than the law enforcement function. In colonial times, law enforcement was the duty of every citizen, and no specialized occupational group had responsibility to ensure public order. Historically, as a human services agency, the most important role of the police was that of "first aid." Many federal law enforcement agencies now operate within the Department of Homeland Security. The structure of American police reflects their predominantly local focus. Most policing in the United States happens at a local level. The police serve their various communities. The police officer is a very important component of the justice process.
