Running head: POLICING AGENCIES, APPLICATION OF LAWS, AND POLICE PATROLS 1
Policing Agencies, Application of Laws, and Police Patrols
Introduction to Police Theory and Practices CJA/214
Bruce Owens
October 19, 2020
Policing Agencies, Application of Laws, and Police Patrols
, Running head: POLICING AGENCIES, APPLICATION OF LAWS, AND POLICE PATROLS 2
Police agencies are organized largely by jurisdiction, but we will also see that they are
characterized by the type of crime committed as well as its severity. We will also see that these
agencies are evolving in terms of mission statement, latitude, and organizational structure. For
example, FEMA is now under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security. Finally, we
will examine very briefly the objectives and effectiveness of police patrol at a very local level.
Local, State, and Federal Levels and Functions
Our separate police agencies help to respond to local needs, as well as address issues that
may become mired in states’ rights, such as the transportation of firearms across state lines. We
can see how this occasionally becomes an issue, despite the ATF. Additionally, by separating
agencies, we help to avoid a centralization of power and help to ensure that our democracy is
maintained.
Our country contains a staggering 18,000 law enforcement agencies (Archbold, 2013).
Local agencies command the most funds, and they are most likely to come into contact with
civilians. That is why it is critical that these departments are well-run, have transparent oversight,
and attract individuals of high caliber. Municipal police agencies provide services to large cites;
local-level agencies provide services to townships and counties. Sheriffs’ departments are
usually found in more rural areas, and are organized by county (Archbold, 2013). Sheriffs’
departments serve warrants and enforce state laws. Municipal police enforce local traffic laws,
support medical response, investigate crimes, and maintain social order.
State troopers are known for their high level of professionalism, and they often enjoy
immunity from partisan political issues (Conser, 2013). State police became common after the
30’s in response to the invention of the automobile. They are tasked with pursuing suspects
fleeing local jurisdictions as well as patrolling rural areas. They are involved with a diverse
Policing Agencies, Application of Laws, and Police Patrols
Introduction to Police Theory and Practices CJA/214
Bruce Owens
October 19, 2020
Policing Agencies, Application of Laws, and Police Patrols
, Running head: POLICING AGENCIES, APPLICATION OF LAWS, AND POLICE PATROLS 2
Police agencies are organized largely by jurisdiction, but we will also see that they are
characterized by the type of crime committed as well as its severity. We will also see that these
agencies are evolving in terms of mission statement, latitude, and organizational structure. For
example, FEMA is now under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security. Finally, we
will examine very briefly the objectives and effectiveness of police patrol at a very local level.
Local, State, and Federal Levels and Functions
Our separate police agencies help to respond to local needs, as well as address issues that
may become mired in states’ rights, such as the transportation of firearms across state lines. We
can see how this occasionally becomes an issue, despite the ATF. Additionally, by separating
agencies, we help to avoid a centralization of power and help to ensure that our democracy is
maintained.
Our country contains a staggering 18,000 law enforcement agencies (Archbold, 2013).
Local agencies command the most funds, and they are most likely to come into contact with
civilians. That is why it is critical that these departments are well-run, have transparent oversight,
and attract individuals of high caliber. Municipal police agencies provide services to large cites;
local-level agencies provide services to townships and counties. Sheriffs’ departments are
usually found in more rural areas, and are organized by county (Archbold, 2013). Sheriffs’
departments serve warrants and enforce state laws. Municipal police enforce local traffic laws,
support medical response, investigate crimes, and maintain social order.
State troopers are known for their high level of professionalism, and they often enjoy
immunity from partisan political issues (Conser, 2013). State police became common after the
30’s in response to the invention of the automobile. They are tasked with pursuing suspects
fleeing local jurisdictions as well as patrolling rural areas. They are involved with a diverse
