Duties of a Police Officer

The power of a police officer lies in his ability to enforce the law. Although, the rules governing the duties of a police officer differ from country to country, their basic responsibilities don't change. The word 'police' has its origin in the Latin word 'politia', which means, civil administration. The word, politia too, is a derivative of a Greek word 'polis', interpreted as 'city' in English. Let's understand the various duties of a police officer.

Duties of a Police Officer
Here is short account of the different duties of a police officer.

• Protecting the life and property of people is the prime responsibility of a police officer. The legal system, in this case acts as a support for the police. The laws and ordinances passed by the country helps him approach a problem in a systematic manner.
• Patrolling the area assigned to him is one of the duties of a police officer. While on a routine patrol, the officer checks for any kind of violations of rules and regulations.
• A police officer also completes routine assignments delegated to him by the seniors officers. Ranging from conducting interrogations to carrying out searches, the assignments may be varied in nature.
• Answering complaints related to criminal activities and accidents also comes under the purview of a police officer.
• Handling the situation at the crime scene is another crucial task of the police officer. Collecting evidence pertaining to the crime, investigations, witnesses and many such activities are a part of a police officer's duty. Police officers also provide first aid to people injured in accidents such as car crashes. They have to obtain written statements from the drivers of such vehicles. To remove the wreckage from the spot of an accident and handling the traffic is the duty of the traffic police.
• The police have to escort prisoners during their trials. Relaying the criminal to and from the court is one of the risky jobs handled by police officers.
• The activity of 'community policing' exercised by the police helps in keeping a watch on criminal activities and creating a safe atmosphere in the society.
• The police officers have to maintain the custody of evidences, property and records obtained in criminal cases.
• In few countries, the police are expected to intervene in criminal activities even if they are not 'on duty'.
• The police have to tackle emergency situations like an outbreak of fire, with the support of fire brigades.
• Controlling mobs during riots is one of the important task for police officers. The mobs may become destructive at times, and maintaining law and order in such situations becomes very crucial.
• People who commit minor crimes are reprimanded by police officers. They may penalize the offenders by issuing citations. Citation is a kind of summon, issued 'on the spot' i.e., where the crime takes place. In case of violation of traffic rules, the police have the right to impose a fine.
• The police may assist those who face a car breakdown. People who face emergency medical situations can take the help of police officers by dialing helpline numbers. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency medical treatment given to victims of cardiac arrest. In many countries, police officers are trained in CPR.
• Police officers act as security guards during rallies, processions and important gatherings. Sometimes, the police has to provide security to VIPs. The VIPs may need security in life threatening situations.
• Park rangers are the police officers who look after the security of national parks. They have to provide security to people visiting the parks as well as protect the animals from illegal poaching.
• The police officers look after the security of airports and other public places.

In a broad sense, we can say that police officers keep the bad elements in the society at bay. They fight for maintaining peace and harmony. There are many forces in the world, constantly trying to disrupt the balance of our social environment; they need to be kept in check. Thus, one should not take the services of police officers for granted. Let's salute them for the courage and responsibility they display in ensuring our safety!