Criminal Justice 10 10 14 Policing and Law Enforcement Vast majority of officers are at the local level Functions of Police 1 Law enforcement Investigation Identify criminal suspects Investigate crimes a b c Apprehend offenders arrest i Participate in trials 2 Patrol a Non crime calls for service b Attendance at public gatherings c Traffic direction and control 3 Order Maintenance Peace Keeping a Maintain a sense of community b Promote civil order c Community services i Ex dealing with public drinking begging vandalism and graffiti or public places prostitutes etc 4 Crime Control Prevention a Resolve conflict disputes b Aid individuals in danger c Helping those persons in need of assistance In many communities selection of police officer is through a merit system Officers employed under such a system are hired and tenured theoretically if they meet and maintain the employment qualification and performance standards Merit System a system of employment whereby an independent civil service commission in cooperation with city personnel section and the police department sets employment qualification performance standards and discipline procedures Police Officer Selection Process o Short application o Detailed application including complete work history references and medical profile o Medical examination o Physical agility test o Written examination o Background investigation o Psychological test o Oral interview The Final Steps of Selection o Academy training o Probation usually between six months and one year which includes formal field training Organization of a Typical Metropolitan Police Department o Police are a part of a larger hierarchical system o Police chiefs are at the top
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