Reading Assignment for Section 2.4

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 2.4: Local Agencies

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the roles and responsibilities of local law enforcement officers, including police officers, sheriffs, and deputies, and learn about their jurisdictional authority. You’ll examine the organizational structures of local agencies and specialized units, as well as the contributions of auxiliary and reserve officers. Finally, you’ll analyze how diversity and inclusivity efforts influence community relations and policing effectiveness, helping to create safer and more connected communities.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 2.4

• SLO 1: Describe the roles and responsibilities of local law enforcement officers, including police officers, sheriffs, and deputies, and explain their jurisdictional authority.
• SLO 2: Analyze the functions and organizational structures of sheriffs’ offices and local police departments, including their size, scope, and specialized units.
• SLO 3: Evaluate the contributions of auxiliary and reserve officers to local law enforcement efforts, considering their training, legal authority, and role in supplementing police services.
• SLO 4: Explain the division of tasks within law enforcement agencies, including primary operations (patrol) and secondary operations (specialized units), and assess how these divisions impact community safety.
• SLO 5: Discuss the challenges and benefits of increasing diversity and inclusivity in local police departments, including how demographic changes influence community relations and policing effectiveness.