The main functions of the police include patrol work and crime prevention. Patrol work is considered the backbone of policing, as patrol officers interact with the public throughout their shifts; while crime prevention includes activities to keep the citizens safe and is a catalyst to improve the public–police relationship.
Imagine you are a criminal justice professional asked to give a presentation for a town council meeting to introduce the town members to patrol work and crime prevention strategies employed to maintain public safety.
Assessment Directions
Create an 8- to 10-slide presentation detailing the basic operational policing functions. In your presentation:
Explain the difference between patrol and other roles within a police department. What are 3 functions of patrol work as outlined by Sir Robert Peel? Provide an example of each.
Describe different types of patrol and how each affects crime and community relations.
Identify at least 2 improvements or innovations that have been incorporated to aid in patrol. How does each improve police patrol work?
State the difference between reactive and proactive crime prevention strategies used by the police.
Include a title slide, a reference slide, and detailed speaker notes with at least 50 words per slide.
Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references.