Police officer
Police officer
A police officer (pronunciation: /pəˈliːs ˈɒfɪsər/), also known as a policeman or policewoman, is a warranted law employee of a police force. In most countries, "police officer" is a generic term not specifying a particular rank. In some, the use of the rank "officer" is legally reserved for military personnel.
Etymology
The term "police officer" comes from the French policier (which means "policeman") and the Latin officium (which means "duty" or "service"). The term was first used in the early 19th century to describe a person who holds a public office or duty, especially in a civil, ecclesiastical, academic, or military setting.
Roles and responsibilities
A police officer's primary duties are to uphold the law, protect property, and safeguard the lives of citizens. They are responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, the enforcement of laws, and maintaining public order. They also have the authority to arrest individuals who are suspected of committing crimes.
Related terms
- Law enforcement: The system by which some members of society act in an organized manner to enforce the law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing that society.
- Police force: A constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder.
- Public order: The state of peace, freedom from disorder, and efficient functioning of society, which is maintained by the rule of law and the enforcement of that law by the police and courts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Police officer
- Wikipedia's article - Police officer
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