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What is a cop?

#law-enforcement #police #career

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Brian’s Answer

Samuel,

great question as the role of the cop is ever evolving. What started out as a typical "chasing bad guys" job has evolved into an officer being a chameleon of sorts. As a Patrol Officer you are expected to respond to calls, assist with investigations, be a mediator in disputes, or just be an ambassador of your area. As a patrolman I did my fair share of report writing as most if not all calls that you respond to require documentation of sorts.

INS agents have always been police officers with arrest authority. Most local police departments do NOT enforce INS duties as INS arrest authorities have Federal arrest authority and local police officers only have state and county arrest authority.
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Jessica’s Answer

The duties of a police officer, also known as a law enforcement officer, focus on protecting people and property. They patrol the areas they are assigned, which sometimes include entire jurisdictions, respond to calls, enforce laws, make arrests, issue citations, and occasionally testify in court cases. They often make traffic stops, respond to domestic disturbances, and, at times, provide first aid to someone involved in a traffic accident or injured in a domestic dispute until paramedics arrive. Much of their time is divided between patrolling, writing reports, and filling out forms. In fact, police officers now also perform the immigration duties once exclusive to INS agents, meaning that INS agents are now essentially police officers.


Resources:
http://www.criminaljusticeusa.com/police-officer/
https://fayettevillenc.gov/government/city-departments/police/recruiting/requirements-hiring-process
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Samuel,

A police officer, often referred to as a "cop", is a pivotal figure in law enforcement, tasked with preserving peace and ensuring public safety. They are endowed with the power to enforce laws, probe into criminal activities, apprehend offenders, and serve as witnesses in court.

The role of a police officer can differ based on their specific assignment and the guidelines of their department. Nonetheless, their typical duties encompass:

- Regular patrolling within their jurisdiction to deter and address criminal acts
- Answering public service calls promptly
- Investigating dubious activities and collecting evidence
- Apprehending offenders and processing detainees
- Serving as a witness in court during criminal trials
- Assisting other law enforcement bodies as needed
- Working alongside community members to tackle public safety issues

To embark on a career as a police officer, certain educational and training prerequisites must be met. These requirements may vary across states and regions but generally include:

- Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent (some departments may necessitate a college degree)
- Successful completion of a police academy training program, encompassing subjects like constitutional law, handling firearms, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response
- Clearing a background check, which may delve into past criminal activities, financial history, and employment records
- Fulfilling physical fitness criteria, which might involve passing a physical exam and a physical abilities test
- Successfully undergoing a psychological evaluation to ascertain job suitability.

Choosing to become a police officer can be a demanding yet gratifying career choice. It calls for a profound dedication to public service, sound judgment, physical stamina, and superior communication skills. It's crucial to understand that the job of a police officer can be perilous, as they frequently confront hazardous situations and individuals. However, many officers derive immense satisfaction from their job and take pride in contributing positively to their communities.

May God bless you!
James Constantine.
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