Police is a constituted body empowered by a state to enforce its law in the territory it controls, protecting people and their property against crime and disorder. They are often armed, and have the legal authority to use force in self-defense and as a last resort in the prevention of crime, or when all other means of peacefully resolving the situation have failed. Typically they are subordinate to elected officials (as mayors or governors in the United States, Belgium’s burgomasters, or London’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner) or to official bodies that safeguard respect for due process.
There is a remarkable historical, geographical and organizational diversity in police systems and activities. Factors that influence this are the types of crimes committed, the methods criminals use to commit them, and population; e.g., policing in rural areas and villages differs drastically from that in cities and towns.
For example, police in some cities are experimenting with using non-lethal tactics such as chemical agents and stun grenades to resolve situations that would be difficult or impossible for patrol officers to solve without a physical confrontation. The goal is to stop or defuse a situation without endangering people’s lives and safety, while freeing them up to focus on solving the crime at hand.
Despite these innovations, in many places police violence continues to increase. Almost every time people leave their homes they are at risk of being harmed by crime, including when commuting to work or running errands, going to the grocery store or school, and visiting parks and other recreational areas. This is why it is important to always remain aware of the environment and surroundings, travel with a friend when possible, avoid door-ways, bushes or alleys, and walk confidently at a steady pace. Consider carrying a weapon, if the laws permit, to protect yourself.
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