NCJ Number
79524
Journal
Tijdschrift voor de politie Volume: 40 Issue: 2 Dated: (1978) Pages: 90-95
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The functions of the Dutch precinct officer are described from the view of a patrol officer with years of experience, and the need for emphasis on and training in police social service as a preventive measure is discussed.
Abstract
The patrol officer must be able to deal with a variety of people in varying city areas. This is illustrated by the author's account of his beat, which covered a new high-rise area, a trailer living area, and a rural section. A conflict is inherent in the work of the patrol officer. On the one hand, he is a public servant who helps families with their problems; e.g., by referring them to the appropriate agency. On the other, he must serve as the repressive representative of the law. An officer may have the responsibility of arranging payment terms for fines. Another important function is reporting the news of the district to his superior officer, in this way helping with policy decisions. He can also meet with social workers to make them aware of the specific problems of his district that he has observed in the course of his work. One of the most important functions of the district policeman is preventive: in discussing family problems and neighborhood squabbles with the individuals involved, he averts disasters that might require his repressive intervention. The need for police training stressing social skills and for better cooperation with social welfare agencies is emphasized.