Arguably, the modern society has changed tremendously. Technological inventions and innovations have converted the world into a global village, where crime and all sorts of evil can be committed at the doorstep. Almost everywhere in the world, the prevalence of crime against property and persons are on the rise. Therefore, police roles are extremely necessary in the modern society. Even the moments they are suppose to be with their family, the community expects them to maintain law and order. Police officers are particularly valuable in every society, to protect people from harm as well as keeping the streets safe.
Modern societies depend on the police in terms of property and live protection. Police are the law enforcers; they perform their duties in assorted ways, depending on the type and size of their organization, as well as the nation. When it comes to jurisdictions, police are expected to implement their authority when needed, whether off or o duty (Plamiotto & Unnithan, 2010).
The role of police in the modern society has brought more changes in the societal state of affairs. The law court, which has existed for a long time, and functioning inefficiently, has been made to function efficiently by the police (Plamiotto & Unnithan, 2010). The police assist the courts in punishing and apprehending criminals; this action has deterred many people in society from committing crime.
Undoubtedly, the presence of police in modern community has made people manage their tendencies of committing a crime. The alertness of police in society has made the detection of crime and other illegal activities possible (Villiers, 2009). Hence, it discourages individuals from breaking the societal laws, as well as compelling self-discipline. Consequently, the presence of police has made the modern society more peaceful than it was before.
Perhaps, another role of police is to prop up the welfare of people in the society. The police are at all times in the move, creating various conditions in which individuals can pursue, and live with their daily affairs without harming or interfering the peace of other people. In this case, the police is a mechanism of hope and inspiration to upstanding individuals. Therefore, the courts protect the rights of people in society, police being the agency (Villiers, 2009).
Police is an emergence body that responds and provides safety to be public. Some of the emergencies include rescue and search, traffic collisions in roads, as well as all sorts of disasters. In order to ensure prompt responds in times of disasters, the police ensure that they have strong coordination with emergency medical service as well as firefighters (Plamiotto & Unnithan, 2010). The community is advised to have police service number at any time.
In the modern society, drugs and drug barons dominate the streets. Therefore, it is the role of the police to eliminate the drug business. Drugs have caused more harm than to the modern societies, claiming the lives of enthusiastic youths. The police role is to arrest all buyers and sellers of these drugs, and take them to court. Additionally, police role is to maintain social cohesion within all social institutions, such as family, workplace, and public functions (Villiers, 2009).
Conclusively, the ability of the police to perform their roles depends upon the approval of the public on police actions. The role of police in society today, has increased moral strength and confidence of individuals in society (Villiers, 2009). Regardless of negative perception that the society has on police, it is indispensable to appreciate their roles in protecting property, enforcing law, maintaining order, responding to emergency, crime prevention, evidence in courts, as well as reducing societal disorders. In fact, most officers face more risks in line of duty more than the civilians do. They become victims of homicide, traffic accidents, stress, and heart attack. The society should support the police rather than criticizing its actions. On the other hand, the police should not abuse their powers by harassing innocent civilians.
Reference
Plamiotto, M & Unnithan, P. (2010). Policing and Society: A Global Approach. New York:
Delmar.
Villiers, P. (2009). Police and Policing: An Introduction. London: Waterside Press.
