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Collection and recording of crime data helps evaluate crime conditions and the effectiveness of police
operations. The data are obtained from the department's reportable incident files such as precinct and
field-unit activity logs, accident reports, and criminal investigation reports as well as summary dossier
files consisting of fingerprints, name index to fingerprints, and criminal histories.
Information storage and retrieval, the third part of police information systems, supports police in the
field by providing quick and accurate criminal information on request. Field personnel have access, for
example, to arrest records, outstanding warrants, stolen vehicles, and serially identified stolen weapons
and property. Development of good information systems for police officers contributes significantly to
the effectiveness of the police agency.
Intelligence
Intelligence operations, still another staff service, also contribute to efficient police work. Information is
gathered to keep police officials attuned to happenings in their areas of jurisdiction by providing insight
into community conditions, potential problem areas, and criminal activities--all essential to law
enforcement. This work deals with activities that present a threat to the community. The most common
targets of intelligence investigations are organized crime and individuals or groups who cause public
disorder. To be effective, intelligence activities must be continuous; the data gathered must be used to plan
and carry out crime-fighting programs.
Internal Discipline
Another auxiliary staff service is internal discipline. Discipline and accountability are vital to any police
agency in maintaining its integrity. Internal discipline, also known as internal affairs, involves investi-
gation of complaints related to police department services and personnel. Complaints can be lodged by
citizens or police personnel themselves. Depending on whether the charges are substantiated, complaints
can lead to departmental discipline, dismissal, arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment of those found
guilty. By protecting the public from police misconduct and corruption and by taking positive action
against employees found guilty of misconduct, the department strengthens morale and gains the support
of the community it serves.
When all the line and staff functions performed in police agencies of any size are considered, it is
obvious that effective administration is not easily attained. Large agencies tend to use police officers as
specialists in specific types of operations, while smaller departments use officers as generalists
performing a wide variety of functions. There are merits to both systems, and their use is generally dictated
by the needs and composition of the communities in which they are located.
In addition to the local police agencies in municipalities, other special-purpose public police forces are
found in many cities throughout the United States. Their jurisdictions include parks, harbors, airports,
sanitation departments, transit systems, housing facilities, and ports. Some of these agencies have full
police officer powers within their jurisdictions; others have more limited authority.
County Police
When planning a career in law enforcement, service at the county level of government is a possibility that
should be considered. A county is the largest territorial division for local government within a state. Most
counties have the constitutional office of sheriff, the chief law enforcement official for that area. The
County Sheriff is generally an elected official. To provide law enforcement services, sheriffs employ a
force of uniformed deputies. The size of the force is most often determined by the size of the county, and
