ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the various types of law enforcement agencies and identifies those that are most likely to employ and collaborate with social workers. Law enforcement is most often the entry point into the criminal justice system for offenders and victims. Based on media images of the police, social workers and others perhaps do not realize that crime fighting tasks do not comprise the majority of police functions. Media images such as those shown in popular television shows and movies depict police officers involved in work that emphasizes the crime fighting tasks involved in law enforcement. A local human service agency received a telephone call from a captain stating that police officers have noticed an increase in police calls responding to family disputes involving parents and children. Law enforcement agencies are governmental agencies that protect life and property, preserve peace and public order, and prevent and suppress crime.
