The Role of Police in Modern Society
Throughout history, the necessity of a structured law enforcement system has been undeniably important in maintaining social order. In contemporary times, the traditional role of police has raised questions, especially with concerns over their methods and effectiveness. This article explores why we still need police and proposes potential reforms based on historical and current societal changes.
Why We Need Police
The fundamental reason for the need of police is the maintenance of societal order. Post-WWII, the role of parents shifted from physical enforcement to a psychological approach. This change has led to a generation that believes that breaking rules incurs no significant consequences, fostering a culture where non-compliance is normalized. As a result, societies now understand the importance of having a force that can enforce rules with the necessary authority and force when needed.
Armed Police and Society
In the United States, the tendency towards unarmed police in the UK, supported by centuries of social civility, has been met with challenges in an increasingly diverse and often uncivilized population. The influx of poorly educated individuals, many of whom come from violent or chaotic backgrounds, has necessitated a more robust and armed approach to law enforcement. This is underscored by heightened incidents of street crime in nations like the U.K., U.S., and parts of Europe and Scandinavia.
The question arises: should all societies adopt a similarly armed approach? The answer is nuanced. While some argue for the necessity of armed police, others propose alternative measures, such as focusing on community policing and fostering better relationships between the police and the public. The rationale for armed police lies in the reality that every large society will have criminal elements, and a more organized, effective force is crucial.
Policing Reforms and Ethical Considerations
Policing, both on a national and local scale, requires constant evaluation and reform to ensure it aligns with societal needs and ethical standards. Some police forces have been criticized for their methods, particularly the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which transitioned to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. This example underscores the necessity of occasionally disestablishing and restructuring police forces based on their performance and ethical values.
The ethos of a police force is crucial. Some forces are focused on preventing disorder, while others are primarily punitive. Some have even historically been slave patrol-like entities. The role and ideals of a police force should be clearly defined, and the British Peelean Principles provide a useful framework for ethical policing:
To prevent crime and disorder as an alternative to their repression by military force and severity of legal punishment. To recognize always that the power of the police to fulfill their functions and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence actions and behavior, and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect. To recognize always that to secure and maintain the respect and approval of the public means also the securing of the willing co-operation of the public in the task of securing observance of laws. To recognize always that the extent to which the co-operation of the public can be secured diminishes proportionately the necessity of the use of physical force and compulsion for achieving police objectives. To use physical force only when the exercise of persuasion, advice, and warning is found to be insufficient to obtain public cooperation to an extent necessary to secure observance of law or to restore order, and to use only the minimum degree of physical force which is necessary on any particular occasion for achieving a police objective. To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police...These principles advocate for a cooperative and community-oriented approach to policing, where the police are seen as part of the community, working for and with the public, rather than a separate, sometimes adversarial entity.
Conclusion
The role of the police in modern society is multifaceted and requires ongoing evaluation. While traditional roles may need to be adapted to meet current challenges, the core purpose of ensuring public safety and order remains essential. Implementing reforms based on ethical principles and fostering a relationship with the community can help in achieving this goal.