Organizational Units in the Police Organization

1. Functional Units

Bureau - the largest organic functional unit within a

large department; comprised of several divisions.

Division - a primary subdivision of a bureau.

Section - functional unit within a division that is

necessary for specialization.

Unit - functional group within a section or the

smallest functional group within an organization.

2. Territorial Units

Post - a fixed point or location to which an officer is

assigned for duty.

Route - a length of streets designated for patrol

purpose, also called line beat.

Beat - an area designed for patrol purposes

whether foot or motorized.

Sector - an area containing two or more beat,

route or post.

District - a geographical subdivision of a city for

patrol purposes, usually with its own station.

Area - a section or territorial division of a large city

each comprised of designated districts.

EVOLUTION OF THE POLICING SYSTEM

ORIGIN OF THE WORD “POLICE”

POLITEIA – Greek word which means government of the city

POLITIA – Roman word which means condition of the state or government

POLICE – French word which was later adopted by the English language

THEORIES OF POLICE SERVICE

1. HOME RULE THEORY

- policemen are regarded as servants of the community, who rely

for the efficiency of their functions upon the express needs of

the people.

- policemen are civil servants whose key duty is the

preservation of public peace and security.

2. CONTINENTAL THEORY

- policemen are regarded as state or servants of the

higher authorities

- the people have no share or have little participation

with the duties nor connection with the police

organization.