Police
From the Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can change
 |
The English used in this article may not be easy for everybody to understand. You can help Wikipedia by making this page or section simpler. |
The Police (or "police force") are a government organization that is given special authority to enforce (that is, to make effective or working) their government's laws against different crimes. Police officers investigate burglaries or murders and patrol highways and cities to make sure that people do not break the law.The building they work in is often called a police station.
Contents |
[change] Elements of police forces
Most police departments have most of their officers in two main groups: a "patrol" section consisting of uniformed officers, and a "detective" section consisting of officers who wear ordinary clothing.
- The patrol section uses marked cars equipped with warning lights, and often simply by being visible patrolling through the area, does much to make people who do not like to obey the law think twice before actually breaking the law. This principle is called "deterrence." The patrol section also enforces traffic laws and operates the local jail.
- The detective section conducts more complicated investigations about cases involving fraud, illegal drugs, and prostitution.
[change] Police departments in different countries
In different places and countries, the "police" includes members of the sheriff's office, marshal's office, or public safety department. In Ireland, they are called gardai, in Russia, militsiyaner, and in French speaking countries, they may also be called surete or gendarmerie. In the United States, there are many different kinds of police for different types of areas and situations, such as state police and local police.
[change] Equipment
In most countries, police officers have been trained to carry guns. Even in countries like the United Kingdom, where most police officers do not carry guns, more are being trained to do so. Firearms training emphasizes the firearm as an absolute last resort when no other option is available to defend the officer's life or that of another. But even if they do not carry guns, police almost always carry other things:
- a wooden baton, about 60 x 3 cm, for blocking attacks and hitting aggressive or dangerous people
- handcuffs, for restraining a suspect
- a bullet-proof vest to protect themselves from revolver and pistol bullets
- a flashlight, for lighting dark places
- a two-way radio, to call for help or information
- A canister of CS gas (mace) or pepper spray, for temporarily blinding aggressive people
- a whistle, for directing traffic
[change] See also
