Describe the functions of a police agency as it pertains to the constitution
The functions of a police agency differ depending on the constitution. Some differ depending on their levels. Some of the levels in which the police agencies differ depend whether, the agency is local, state or whether is federal. Nevertheless, police agencies perform almost similar functions depending on the constitution they are to follow. For the federal police agencies, they are in charge of issues affecting the whole nation. These include organized crimes and terrorism. The state agencies are police agencies that are in charge of various issues such as criminal investigations, public relations, and the safety of the public.
Finally, the local agencies are the police agencies, which provide emergency services, keep records, and community patrols to ensure safety (Maguire, 2008). The local agencies also detain juveniles and adults, community relations, and provide the public with necessary. Generally, the police agencies perform similar roles thus controlling and preventing behaviors and conducts, which might threaten property or life. They also maintain security when called upon. In some cases, police agencies help the needy in the community. In this case, the needy can be the disabled and the mentally ill (Maguire, 2008).
Role of police and the community
In any given community, the police are the most noticeable public servants. They play an important role in any given community especially in restoring law and order. The police cannot work well without proper coordination with the community. It is for these reasons that many police departments have community policing which ensures that the community works hand in hand with the police regarding the community’s safety. Some of the roles of the police in any given community include; enforcing law and order, control traffic situations, solve crimes, educate the public on various issues such as laws, constitution. The role of the community is to ensure it coordinates well with the police in giving them necessary information they might need in tracing down criminals (Dempsey, 2012)
How police protect citizens’ constitutional rights
One of the most important factors about the roles of the police is protecting citizens’ constitutional rights. Some of the common constitutional rights that the police protect include; the citizenship, and the natural rights. The police role is to provide citizens’ protection when it comes to citizens’ natural right. The natural right may entail, right to own property, right to life, freedom of speech among others. In this case, the police can safeguard the citizen’s properties from theft. Every citizen has a right to life; hence, it is upon the police to ensure that a person’s life is in safe hands. The police can therefore arrest any person threatening a fellow citizen.
Types of searches and interrogation practices
Police can use various methods during interrogation of clients in a bid to get information from him. Generally, the police are not allowed to physically or psychologically harm the suspects during an interrogation process. Evidence or confessions, which result from a coercive procedure is prohibited during trials. Some of the interrogation practices a police officer may use to a suspect include, trickery, lying or pretence in a bid to obtain useful information from a suspect. The police can also use the non-coercive methods to make the suspect confess. In past situations, the court allowed the police to deprive the suspect food and water, isolate the suspects and use of bright lights in order to get meaningful information from the suspect. The best way, which the police officer can use during an interrogation process, is building a rapport with the suspect (Leo, 2008)
Probable cause and how it affects police officers and police
Police officers are usually affected by various challenges during their day-to-day duties. Issues ranging from lack of enough equipment to combat crime to insecurity derail the police officers in their duties.
Reference
Dempsey, John S., & Forst, Linda S. (2012). Police + Criminal Justice Coursemate With Ebook Printed Access Card. Delmar Pub.
Maguire, E. R. (2008). Organizational structure in American police agencies: Context, complexity, and control. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Leo, R. A. (2008). Police interrogation and American justice. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.
