ABSTRACT
Police Work Police work is an incredibly complex human enterprise. The assigned mission of the American police establishment is to serve and protect the community. While the “law enforcer” image has been made popular by the mass media, it is inaccurate and far too simplistic ( Crank, 2004 ). According to one expert ( Anderson, 1997 ), general assignment police personnel spend no more than 10 to 15 percent of their on-duty time actually enforcing criminal law. Most of their time is spent keeping the peace and providing essential nonpolice services. In carrying out their mission, police departments are expected to:
1. protect life and property 2. resolve interpersonal conflict and preserve the peace 3. maintain social order 4. prevent crime by proactive patrol and other measures 5. repress crime through effective law enforcement 6. create and perpetuate a sense of security 7. identify and apprehend those who have broken the law 8. regulate various types of noncriminal behavior 9. recognize and deal with police/public safety hazards
10. facilitate the movement of people and motor vehicles 11. provide essential emergency services 12. help individuals who cannot care for themselves 13. safeguard the legal and constitutional rights of citizens
The job is complex; it lacks clear-cut boundaries and is frequently underrated, unappreciated, and unpleasant. Even though policing is a rewarding career, it is often dull, monotonous, dirty, and dangerous.
