Policing notes

Civil Servant

A police officer whose purpose is to protect the community.

Law Enforcement Agency

An organization that focuses on specific parts of criminal justice.

District Attorney (DA)

A part of the government that is the most powerful component of the criminal justice system but not part of it.

Praetorian Guard

The first police officers created by the Roman Emperor, selected from the military force.

Mutual Pledge

The first English criminal justice/law enforcement system.

Metropolitan Police Act of 1829

The first police bill drafted by Sir Robert Peel, establishing the first organized and paid civil police force.

Peel's Nine Principles

Guidelines emphasizing the preventive role of police and the importance of community cooperation.

Zero-Tolerance Policing

A policing strategy that enforces strict compliance with laws and regulations, targeting minor infractions.

Community Service Officers (CSOs)

Non-sworn personnel assigned to support police functions without traditional law enforcement powers.

Span of Control

The optimal number of officers a superior can effectively supervise, usually between 6 to 10.