Difference between revisions of "Police"
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'''Police''' refers to an institution of government employing personnel to enforce law and maintain civil order and peace. An individual employed in said functions is known as a ''' | '''Police''' refers to an institution of government employing personnel to enforce law and maintain civil order and peace. An individual employed in said functions is known as a '''police officer''', '''constable''' or (in less-enlightened areas and by less-enlightened people) a policeman or policewoman. While police officers typically wear [[uniform]]s and are armed to some degree, police are distinct from the military. | ||
Police developed as urban societies developed. [[China]] and ancient [[Roman Empire|Rome]] both developed professional law enforcement institutions. In Europe during the Middle Ages and the [[Age of Enlightenment]], law enforcement was usually handled by informal means. Modern police forces began to appear around the 19th century. | |||
== Police in Science Fiction == | == Police in Science Fiction == | ||
Futuristic police forces often appear in science fiction, and some stories are built around technological or social developments in law enforcement. | Futuristic police forces often appear in [[science fiction]], and some stories are built around technological or social developments in law enforcement. | ||
* ''RoboCop'' (from the film of the same name) is a [[cyborg]] police officer. | * ''RoboCop'' (from the film of the same name) is a [[cyborg]] police officer. | ||
* ''Judge Dredd'' combines law enforcement with judicial authority. | * ''Judge Dredd'' combines law enforcement with judicial authority. | ||
[[Category: Politics]] | [[Category: Politics]] | ||
Revision as of 18:37, 10 October 2012
Police refers to an institution of government employing personnel to enforce law and maintain civil order and peace. An individual employed in said functions is known as a police officer, constable or (in less-enlightened areas and by less-enlightened people) a policeman or policewoman. While police officers typically wear uniforms and are armed to some degree, police are distinct from the military.
Police developed as urban societies developed. China and ancient Rome both developed professional law enforcement institutions. In Europe during the Middle Ages and the Age of Enlightenment, law enforcement was usually handled by informal means. Modern police forces began to appear around the 19th century.
Police in Science Fiction
Futuristic police forces often appear in science fiction, and some stories are built around technological or social developments in law enforcement.
- RoboCop (from the film of the same name) is a cyborg police officer.
- Judge Dredd combines law enforcement with judicial authority.