Chapter 5: Policing: Purpose and Organization

According to Sir Robert Peel, what is the basic mission for which the police exist?

• To enforce traffic laws

• To reduce crime and disorder

• To provide community services

• To investigate financial crimes

How many main elements are included in the police mission?

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Which of the following is NOT listed as a basic purpose of policing in democratic societies according to Figure 5-1?

• Serve the community

• Enforce and support the law

• Collect taxes

• Prevent crime

Which policing purpose involves identifying and capturing those who break the law?

• Prevent crime

• Investigate and apprehend offenders

• Serve the community

• Ensure peace and tranquility

What is the primary official mandate under which police operate?

• To provide medical assistance

• To enforce the law

• To teach in schools

• To manage public transportation

According to the material, is enforcing the law the only job of the police?

• Yes, it is their only job

• No, they have other responsibilities as well

• Yes, they only enforce the law

• No, they only handle emergencies

What do police officers spend the majority of their time doing?

• Patrolling highways

• Answering nonemergency public service calls

• Investigating crimes

• Attending court hearings

Approximately what percentage of police calls actually require a law enforcement response?

• 50% to 60%

• 30% to 40%

• 10% to 20%

• 70% to 80%

Why can't police enforce all the laws?

• Because they are not trained

• Because there are too many laws and limited resources

• Because they only work at night

• Because they only handle emergencies

Besides enforcing the law, what else are police expected to do?

• Ignore the law

• Support the law

• Write new laws

• Only respond to emergencies