Deck 15: The Police

Question 1

Discuss the relationship between public and private police in Australia.

Answer 1

Responses could include:
Public police are those state-based salaried police officers
Private police include guards, security guards, debt collectors
Security is a large part of the part-time and casual workforce
Private police perform functions including: deny entry and evict those not acting according to conditions of entry (in licenced premises), guard government buildings, maintain the security of public transport systems, etc.
Each state/territory has a licencing system for security providers which requires they ensure training, criminal history checks, competency and integrity
Both public and private police operate to ensure public safety and reduce crime and have shown successful partnerships in working at concerts, airports and security events
Generally, they operate in parallel universes
Private police service paying clients
Public police service all equally (in principle)

Question 2

What is 'community policing'? Provide examples of community policing in action.

Answer 2

Students could respond with:
-Community policing refers to working in partnership with the community to reduce crime
-Commitment can be influenced by availability of resources in both in the police force and the communities themselves
-Higher levels of engagement in community policing can lead to higher levels of community confidence and trust

Question 3

Management neglect of workplace safety issues is the main factor behind police deaths while on duty.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What is the role of police today?

Question 5

What does the phrase 'the crisis in policing' refer to? What are the major concerns identified in Bradley's 1992 critique of policing in Australia?

Question 6

Who should police the police?

Question 7

What were the main functions of police in the 19th century?

Question 8

What is the difference between 'reported crime rates' and 'clearance rates'?

Question 9

Policing has long been associated with bravery and risks of harm.Discuss examples of police bravery and provide examples where possible.

Question 10

Discuss what is meant by the term 'gatekeepers to the criminal justice system'.