Reading Assignment for Section 2.1

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 2.1: Police Functions

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll discover the wide range of roles that police officers play in maintaining public safety and supporting their communities. You’ll learn about the balance between enforcing laws, maintaining order, and providing social services, as well as the challenges involved in using discretion and ensuring accountability. Finally, you’ll explore the ethical considerations surrounding police practices, including the use of force, and examine how these practices affect public trust and relationships with the community.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 2.1

• SLO 1: Describe the social service functions performed by police officers, including responding to emergencies, assisting vulnerable individuals, and providing community support.
• SLO 2: Explain the concept of order maintenance and evaluate how tasks such as traffic control, crowd management, and addressing public nuisances contribute to public safety and trust.
• SLO 3: Analyze the eleven core responsibilities of police as defined by the American Bar Association and discuss their impact on modern policing practices.
• SLO 4: Evaluate the role of police discretion in decision-making, including its benefits and challenges, and assess the importance of accountability mechanisms to ensure fairness.
• SLO 5: Assess the ethical considerations and accountability measures involved in the use of force by police officers, and explain how these practices influence public trust and community relationships.