Law Enforcement

In recent years, law enforcement has come under increased scrutiny. In many areas, they have lost credibility, respect, and trust of citizens. Most law enforcement officers are good people trying to do their jobs the best they can. But as in every other area of life, a few bad can drastically change the beliefs of people about an entire organization. 

While most law enforcement officers are dedicated professionals striving to do their jobs well, the actions of a few can significantly influence public perceptions and unfairly impact the reputation of the entire organization.

Law enforcement personnel often find themselves in stressful and difficult situations. Every time an officer encounters a citizen, there is an encounter with many unknowns. The officer needs to learn who they are approaching at what appears to be a routine traffic stop. Domestic disturbance calls involve parties that are already encountering high emotions, and they can become violent quickly. Law enforcement performs a duty that most do not want to do, but they try to keep us safe.

Each interaction between an officer and a citizen involves inherent uncertainties. What might appear to be a routine traffic stop requires officers to quickly assess both the situation and the individual. Likewise, domestic disturbance calls often involve heightened emotions that can rapidly escalate into violence. Law enforcement professionals willingly take on this challenging role, striving to maintain public safety in unpredictable and demanding circumstances.

Law enforcement’s job is to solve a crime and arrest the guilty party. They may not have all the information needed and must act on the available information. They are often under pressure from their management, the public, government officials, and other special interest groups. And like all of us, they sometimes make mistakes.

Law enforcement’s primary responsibility is to solve crimes and apprehend those responsible. Often, they must make decisions based on incomplete information and act quickly with the details available. They frequently face pressure from supervisors, the public, government officials, and various interest groups. Like anyone, they are not immune to making mistakes.

TYPES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Law enforcement operates at three levels: local, state, and national. Their primary responsibility is to investigate, apprehend, and detain individuals suspected of criminal offenses. In addition, they also maintain public safety, escort prisoners, serve court documents, provide court testimony, direct traffic, participate in crowd control, and many other extra activities.

Law enforcement officers’ duties depend on the type of officer and the organization in which they work. Law enforcement officer types include:

• General Law Enforcement Officers:  Most law enforcement officers are uniformed personnel who conduct patrols and respond to calls for service or assistance. They may direct traffic at the scene of a fire, investigate burglaries, administer first aid, etc. Urban police agencies are increasingly focusing on community policing, where officers build relationships with local citizens and enlist their help in combating crime.

• Detectives: Detectives typically do not wear uniforms. They are responsible for investigating criminal cases by gathering facts and collecting evidence. Most detectives specialize in specific types of crimes, such as narcotics, grand theft, or homicide. They are assigned cases and work on them until an arrest and conviction occurs, or the case is closed.

• Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs: Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs work at the county level. Sheriffs are typically elected to their positions, and their duties are similar to those of local or county police chiefs. Deputy sheriffs perform a variety of tasks, including patrol, responding to calls, criminal investigations, and administrative duties.

• State Police Officers: State police officers, sometimes called state troopers or highway patrol officers, have jurisdiction that extends throughout the state. Their primary responsibility is motor vehicle safety. They enforce traffic laws and regulations, assist at accident scenes, and investigate traffic accidents and other crimes involving motor vehicles.

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agents: FBI agents are the federal government’s criminal investigators, responsible for investigating more than 260 statutory violations. They often conduct sensitive national security investigations. Some of the crimes they investigate include organized crime, public corruption, fraud against the government, bribery, civil rights violations, bank robbery, air piracy, terrorism, and foreign counterintelligence.

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agents: The DEA is the leading agency for domestic drug enforcement. DEA agents enforce drug laws, as well as coordinate and pursue United States drug investigations abroad. Some DEA agents infiltrate illegal drug organizations using undercover techniques.

• U.S. Marshals and Deputy Marshals: The U.S. Marshals Service is the oldest law enforcement agency in the nation. They conduct a wide variety of duties, including judicial security, fugitive investigations, witness security, prisoner services, prisoner and alien transportation, asset forfeitures, service of court process, and other special operations and programs.

ESSENTIAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERACTING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT

When encountering a law enforcement officer, it is critical to remain calm. Officers will generally respond with the same courtesy shown to them. Never resist the officer, attempt to escape, or use physical force. Avoid any action that could harm the officer. Never attempt to display or use a weapon.

If handcuffs are utilized, do not resist. They are used to maintain control and ensure safety. If they are uncomfortable or painful, calmly inform the officer, and most will adjust them. Cooperation typically leads to a more respectful response from the officer.

As addressed in the Arrest Section of the site, individuals are not obligated to answer any questions beyond providing identification. If an attorney has been retained, inform the officer immediately; they are not permitted to question you further. If not, request one and cease answering questions.

As stated in the Arrest section, an investigation by law enforcement may take days, weeks, months, or even years. Law enforcement is not required to notify an individual of an investigation, and it is possible to be aware of an ongoing investigation. Once the investigation is complete, law enforcement will present their findings to the State Attorney (or a similar authority) for a final decision on how to proceed.

INTERROGATION

Law enforcement officers undergo extensive training in interrogation techniques, employing various methods to elicit answers from a suspect. An attorney will be familiar with these techniques and should be present during any questioning. A detailed explanation of these methods will be provided in a later section.

Law enforcement officials are NOT required to tell the truth during questioning. They will often use non-truths in an attempt to elicit a confession.

Law enforcement will frequently question a suspect before reading their Miranda rights. There is significant case law concerning the admissibility of statements made before Miranda rights are read. However, an individual should assume anything they say can be used against them, regardless of whether Miranda rights are read.

It is also important to understand that while law enforcement officers are public officials, their primary responsibility is to serve the victim, not the defendant.