A police officer is a law enforcement employee of a police force who is responsible for keeping the peace, enforcing laws, protecting people and property, and investigating crimes
. They are also known as a policeman, policewoman, cop, officer, or constable
. Typical duties and responsibilities of police officers:
- Apprehending suspects
- Preventing, detecting, and reporting crimes
- Protecting and assisting the general public
- Maintaining public order
- Responding to incidents and investigating crimes
- Patrolling assigned areas
- Responding to emergencies
- Making arrests or issuing citations
- Controlling traffic
- Directing traffic during a parade
- Conducting preliminary or complete investigations
- Locating and questioning witnesses
- Assisting disabled or stranded motorists or citizens
- Investigating complaints and disturbances
- Gathering facts and collecting evidence of possible crimes
Police officers may be plain-clothed or wear a uniform and are generally given exemptions from certain laws to perform their duties
. They may be trained in special duties, such as counter-terrorism, surveillance, child protection, VIP protection, civil law enforcement, and investigation techniques into major crime including fraud, rape, murder, and drug trafficking
