"Petruk and Gareng were playing golf. 'Why did you bring an extra pair of pants?' Gareng asked.'Just in case, who knows, maybe I might get a 'hole in one'!' Petruk replied.""The police are like the Guardians of the Gate, their role is as protectors who stand at the entry points of society, ensuring that safety and order are maintained. They can be likened to Society’s Shield, the defensive force that protects citizens from harm, much like a shield guards a warrior in battle. The police are also Community Pillars, the foundational role in upholding the stability and security of the community, akin to pillars supporting a building. They are the Watchful Eye, which serves as vigilant observers who keep an eye on society, ready to respond to any threats or disturbances. They are like the Thin Blue Line, a small but crucial barrier between order and chaos," Seruni proceeded."The word 'police' refers to both a specific organization and its members, as well as a concept of law enforcement and public order maintenance. The police are a civil force responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and enforcing laws. They typically operate under government jurisdiction. Police Officers are individuals who work for a police department and are tasked with enforcing the law, preventing crime, and protecting the public.The term 'police' originates from the French word 'police,' which itself comes from the Latin 'politia,' meaning 'civil administration.' The Greek root 'polis' means 'city,' reflecting the original role of the police in city management.Generally, the Police function as Crime Prevention: Taking measures to deter criminal activities and reduce the opportunities for crime to occur; Law Enforcement: Ensuring that laws are followed and taking action against those who break them; Public Safety: Protecting individuals and communities from harm; Emergency Response: Responding to urgent situations such as accidents, natural disasters, and crimes in progress; Community Support: Engaging with the community to build trust and provide support services.The police can be Uniformed Police, visible law enforcement officers who patrol communities and respond to incidents. Detectives, to investigate crimes and gather evidence. And also Specialized Units that focus on specific types of crimes or tasks, such as narcotics, cybercrime, or SWAT teams for tactical operations.The concept of policing dates back to ancient civilizations where community members were responsible for maintaining order. In Mesopotamia, around 2,300 BCE, there were officials known as 'guzanu' who enforced laws. In ancient Egypt, there were law enforcers known as 'medjay' who served as a kind of police force. These early police were often responsible for maintaining public order, collecting taxes, and even managing prisons.In Athens, around the 5th century BCE, a group of slaves known as the Scythian Archers acted as a form of public police, maintaining order and assisting magistrates. The Romans had a more organized system with cohorts of watchmen, known as 'Cohortes Urbanae,' tasked with maintaining order and controlling fires in cities.During the medieval period, local constables and watchmen were responsible for keeping peace and enforcing laws in towns and villages. In England, a system known as 'tithings' (groups of ten households) and 'hundreds' (groups of ten tithings) was used to collectively ensure law and order. Each tithing elected a leader to represent them and ensure compliance with the law.In the 14th century, the role of Justice of the Peace was established in England to oversee law enforcement and adjudicate minor cases. Established in 1749 by magistrate Henry Fielding, the Bow Street Runners in London are often considered one of the first organized police forces. They investigated crimes and apprehended offenders. In 1667, King Louis XIV created a centralized police force in Paris to maintain order and public safety. This is often seen as the beginning of modern policing in France.Modern policing systems, as seen today, evolved from organized municipal police forces established in the 19th century, such as the Metropolitan Police Service in London. In 1822, Sir Robert Peel was appointed Home Secretary. He would become closely associated with penal reform in Britain. He is remembered especially for the formation of the Metropolitan London Police Force in 1829, creating a professional and organized police force. Peel’s principles emphasized crime prevention and community relations, which became a model for modern policing worldwide.By the mid-19th century, countries like France and Germany had established national police forces, focusing on both local law enforcement and maintaining state authority. American cities like New York and Boston developed police departments in the mid-19th century, initially modelled on the London Metropolitan Police. These forces grew in response to increasing urbanization and crime.The early 20th century saw a push towards the professionalization of police forces, with a focus on training, standardization, and accountability. Innovations such as the automobile, radio communication, and fingerprinting significantly improved police efficiency and effectiveness. The 1960s and 1970s saw important challenges to police practices, particularly in the United States, where the Civil Rights Movement highlighted issues of police brutality and racial discrimination. In response, many police departments began to adopt community policing strategies, emphasizing building relationships with community members and focusing on crime prevention.The rise of digital technology has transformed policing in the 21st century, with tools like body cameras, databases, and surveillance systems becoming integral to modern law enforcement. The growing threat of cybercrime has required police forces to adapt and develop new skills to tackle crimes in the digital realm.Police enforce laws to prevent and respond to crimes, ensuring that citizens comply with the legal framework established by society. They protect the public from harm by preventing and responding to criminal activities, thus maintaining peace and security. Police protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, ensuring that everyone can live without fear of violence, theft, or other crimes. They help resolve disputes between individuals and groups, providing a mechanism for addressing grievances. The presence of police acts as a deterrent to criminal activities. Police investigate crimes, gather evidence, and work to apprehend suspects, contributing to the justice system.Police respond to emergencies such as accidents, natural disasters, and public disturbances, providing immediate assistance and coordination. They provide support in various emergencies, including medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and missing persons cases.Police engage with the community to build trust, gather information, and work collaboratively to solve problems and improve the quality of life. They educate the public on safety, crime prevention, and legal rights. Police ensure that laws are applied fairly and consistently, holding individuals accountable for their actions within the framework of the legal system. They provide support to victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal system and access necessary resources.Police help maintain social order by managing crowds, controlling traffic, and ensuring that public events occur without incident. They address behaviours and activities that threaten public peace and safety. Police support the implementation of government policies and regulations, ensuring that societal rules are followed. They work with other governmental and non-governmental organizations to address complex social issues, such as drug abuse and homelessness.Police institutions are integral to democratic countries for various backgrounds, even though the concept of democracy emphasizes individual freedoms and rights. Police work to prevent crime through patrols, community engagement, and visibility. They enforce laws enacted by democratically elected governments, ensuring that society adheres to legal norms. Police are first responders in emergencies, providing immediate assistance and maintaining public safety.Police protect individuals' rights to life, property, and freedom from harm. They help maintain a balance between individual freedoms and the need for public order. Police ensure that everyone, including government officials, adheres to the law. They provide evidence and support for judicial processes, facilitating fair trials and legal justice.Modern democratic policing emphasizes building trust and cooperation with communities to enhance safety and reduce crime. Police offer support services like victim assistance, mental health crisis intervention, and public education. The presence of a police force acts as a deterrent to potential criminals. They engage in preventive measures such as crime awareness programs and community outreach to reduce crime rates. Police are critical in managing natural disasters, public health crises, and other emergencies. They manage large gatherings, protests, and events to ensure they occur peacefully and safely.In democratic societies, police are often trained to respect and uphold human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly. Police protect the integrity of democratic processes like elections, ensuring they are free from violence and intimidation. In democracies, police forces are held accountable through oversight bodies, judicial review, and public scrutiny, ensuring they act within the bounds of the law and respect citizens' rights. Police operations are subject to transparency requirements, promoting trust and confidence in their actions.A reliable police force enhances public confidence in the criminal justice system. By maintaining order and security, police contribute to social stability, which is essential for the functioning of democracy. Modern police forces are equipped to handle new challenges such as cybercrime and digital security threats. They play a crucial role in combating terrorism, organized crime, and other complex threats.Police institutions in democratic countries are vital for ensuring the rule of law, protecting citizens' rights, maintaining public order, and supporting democratic governance. They operate under the principles of accountability, transparency, and community engagement to uphold democratic values and contribute to the welfare of society.The Police are much like guardians who protect a realm, maintaining legal and social order. They are the Social Backbone, a central support system that upholds the structure and function of society, similar to how a backbone supports the human body. The police work to maintain peace and tranquillity in the community, much like diplomats or negotiators on a larger scale. The police provide stability and security, much like an anchor stabilizes a ship in turbulent waters. The police is a strong, defensive wall that protects society from chaos and disorder. And finally, the police guide society by enforcing laws, much like a compass provides direction and guidance.We'll continue our discussion in the next episode, biidhnillah."Then Seruni read a poem,In the heart of cities, fields so wide,Guardians stand, where freedoms abide.With courage firm, they keep the peace,Ensuring liberty shall never cease.
Citations & References:
- Clive Emsley, A Short History of Police and Policing, 2021, Oxford University Press
- Geo Maher, A World Without Police: How Strong Communities Make Cops Obsolete, 2021, Verso
- Peter K. Manning, Democratic Plcing in a Changing World, 2016, Routledge
- David H. Bayley & Philip C. Stenning, Governing the Police: Experience in Six Democracies, 2017, Routledge
