The police are a state force that is responsible for maintaining public security and order.
From the Latin politia (which comes from a Greek word), the police is a state force that is responsible for maintaining public order and guaranteeing the safety of citizens according to the orders of the political authorities. With an initial capital letter ( Police ), the term refers to a specific police force while, when it begins with a lower case letter ( police ), it refers to a member of said body or to the force in general.
One of the most common definitions of the State indicates that this form of socio-political organization maintains a monopoly on the use of force . This means that citizens cannot resort to force (unless they are in danger), but must go to a state body such as the police.
Police functions
Most legislation gives the police the power to deter, repress and investigate crimes committed against people or private property. A police officer can proceed to arrest suspects to refer them to the competent authorities (the Judiciary ).
It is common for the police to work preventively (with officers on the street to deter crime ) and to act in emergency cases (when crime is already underway). The police force also assists in the search and rescue of people and in disaster situations.
In some cases, policing does not involve the use of force, although it must require compliance with the law (for example, when a police officer enforces a traffic violation).
The police have vehicles, weapons and other resources to carry out their functions.
The importance of vocation
The work of a police officer requires a great vocation, given that it is a profession of constant dedication, a deep social commitment that does not take vacations . As with an artistic passion, a good police officer does not disconnect from his position when he is outside his work schedule; His thirst for justice accompanies him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are certain personality traits that are part of the requirements of a police candidate, such as strong self-control that allows the resolution of extreme situations, great tolerance, a genuine interest in others and their problems, and enough empathy to generate trust and security in those who come to him. Likewise, a good agent is expected to have a good academic background and have unwavering morals.
Stress can become a police officer's worst enemy, and it is important to be aware of this possibility before deciding on this profession. Spending many hours in public, tolerating possible insults and provocations, enduring heat and cold, always having to respond with respect and sympathy to questions from any person, regardless of their nationality, sexuality, religion or social status, These are some of the day-to-day characteristics of an officer .
The preparation of the police
To become a police officer it is necessary to pass a series of tests, both physical and theoretical. Given the little respect that many countries feel for their police forces, partly fueled by corruption and manipulation of the truth, there is a widespread idea that police officers are inept and misaligned people, who spend their days reading the newspaper. and drinking coffee.
However, leaving exceptional cases aside, there are millions of young people who prepare thoroughly, who train hard and who leave their personal lives behind to dedicate themselves fully to the protection of their fellow citizens, risking themselves every day to ensure their well-being. of the majority instead of conforming to one's own.