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Police and Law Enforcement Response

Melissa Eaves

CJS/200

01/30/2013

Kenneth Malone

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Police and Law Enforcement Response

In this paper I will discuss the role of police in society as well as what would happen if the role of

the police were lessened as it applies to the theory and practice of community policing. I will also discuss

how daily issues such as probable cause can affect police from a legal standpoint as well as how these

issues can be improved to aid police organizations in combating crime.

The role of police in society is to serve and protect people from harm and crime. Because

community policing helps to identify and solve problems in the community through the police and the

community, I feel that lessened community policing would not only make communities less safe but also

leave the responsibility more on the community than if the police were to stay actively involved.

Daily issues such as probable cause affect police from a legal standpoint because probable cause

calls for sufficient evidence in order to arrest or convict. If the police do not have probable cause, it

makes it very difficult to take a criminal into custody. Probable cause is also known for things like search

warrants. The same thing applies in this type of case, if the evidence is not there, the police have no

rights. I feel that a way to improve these issues in a way that will aid police organizations in combating

crime is something that is very difficult to do. Citizens have their rights and police must follow the law. I

guess a way to improve these types of issues would be to try and change some of the laws without

violating civil rights.

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References

Hill G. & Hill K., (1981-2005).,”probable cause”., Retrieved from www.legal-dictionary.the free

dictionary.com/probable+cause