Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LEA4 Countries With Best Police System Handouts
LEA4 Countries With Best Police System Handouts
LEA4 Countries With Best Police System Handouts
ENGLAND
The police service in the United Kingdom is divided into 47 separate police forces: 43
territorial police forces in England and Wales, a national police force in both Scotland and
Northern Ireland, and two specialist police forces: the British Transport Police and the Civil
Nuclear Constabulary.
Policing policy is devolved, and the United Kingdom’s constituent countries have taken
divergent approaches to the organization of policing services. Significant reforms to policing
have recently taken place in both England, Wales and Scotland. In England and Wales, power for
making policy decisions for local policing has been primarily transferred to Police and Crime
Commissions (PCC) and local Mayors. The Home Office has, therefore, switched its focus to
combating severe and organized crime nationally.
Each police force in the United Kingdom is led by a senior police officer (usually a Chief
Constable). Most territorial authorities in England and Wales are overseen by directly-elected
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). PCCs appoint their Chief Constable and set a strategy
and budget for their force. Different bodies assume the role of a PCC in certain parts of the
United Kingdom:
In London by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.
In the City of London by the City of London Police Authority.
In Manchester by the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
In Scotland by the Scottish Police Authority.
In Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
Rank Structure
HZL
Page 2 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is responsible for leading the United Kingdom’s
response to acute and organized crime. They work throughout the United Kingdom and in
collaboration with police forces and other relevant bodies.
The College of Policing is the professional body for the police service in England and
Wales. It sets educational requirements for and publishes guidance to police officers. In
Scotland and Northern Ireland, these functions are undertaken by the Scottish Police
Authority and the Northern Ireland Policing Board, respectively.
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) is a coordinating body for all police forces
in the United Kingdom. The NPCC coordinates national police operations and the
implementation of the College of Policing guidance. The Chief Constable of each United
Kingdom police forces (including the Metropolitan Police Commissioner), the Director-
General of the NCA, and Chief Executive of the College of Policing are all represented at
the NPCC. They make decisions collectively via the Chief Constables’ Council.
Police forces in the United Kingdom have two key operational characteristics:
1.) They are operationally independent. They make day to day decisions about how they
tackle crime without political interference.
2.) They operate only with the consent of the people, what is known as policing by
consent. The Police gain the public’s approval by using minimal force and applying the rule of
law with strict impartiality.
These characteristics were established by the nine ‘general instructions’ given to the first
officers of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in 1829. The ‘general instructions’ are more
commonly known as the Peelian Principles of Policing (named after Sir Robert Peel, the
Victorian politician who founded the MPS).
HZL
Page 3 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
Policing Tactics
Police forces use policing tactics in combination with their formal powers to prevent and
investigate a crime. The Library Briefing Introduction to police powers provides an overview of
police powers. As with their use of powers, the Police’s use of tactics must be compliant with the
law, including human rights and equalities legislation.
Improving the digital resources available to the Police forms a vital part of the Policing
Vision 2025. The NPCC is leading efforts to transform ‘digital policing’ in the United Kingdom
through the Digital Policing Portfolio (DPP). The DPP involves three main programs of work:
1. Digital Public Contact: ensuring that there is a simple, well known, and reliable digital
contact service between the public and the Police. It includes improving the POLICE.
U.K. website which provides a central web location for the English and Welsh police
service.
2. Digital Intelligence and Investigation: improving the knowledge and skills of officers to
address digital crime and ensuring there are specialist capabilities to respond to cyber-
crime.
3. Digital First is a project that aims to effectively digitize case records and improve digital
communications with criminal justice partners.
CANADA
The development of Police in Canada
Canada’s earliest legal traditions can be traced to France and England. Quebec city
followed the old models of French towns and created a watchman system in 1651. Upper
Canada, later renamed Ontario, adopted English traditions and established both a constabulary
and a watch-and-ward system. The English system was imposed on French areas after 1759.
Using England’s Metropolitan Police Act as a model, Toronto created a police department in
1835, and Quebec City and Montreal followed suit in 1838 and 1840, respectively. In 1867
provincial police forces were established for the vast rural areas in eastern Canada.
The Northwest Mounted Police (renamed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP]
in 1920) was created in 1873 to Police the western plains. The 300 officers were assigned the
task of eliminating incursions by whiskey-trading Americans who were inciting Canadian
Indians (now known as First Nations) to acts of violence, and later the force spearheaded
attempts to make the Canadian frontier an integral part of Canada. It protected immigrants and
fought prairie fires, disease, and poverty in the new settlements.
The Canadian Mounted Police represented a significant departure from Anglo-Saxon
policing traditions. Similar in the organization, style, and method to the models of France and
Ireland, they operated more like a military organization than a traditional police force. Strong
leadership ensured that they served with restraint and within Canadian political traditions.
HZL
Page 4 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
of the Minister of Public Safety Canada. The national police force of Canada and one of the most
recognized of its kind in the world.
It is unique in the world as a national, federal, provincial, and municipal policing body.
The RCMP provides federal policing service to all of Canada and policing services under
contract to the three territories, eight of Canada's provinces. Under the Act, it is headed by the
Commissioner, who, under the direction of the Minister of Public Safety, has the control and
management of the force and all matters connected in addition to that.
The Commissioner is assisted by a Senior Deputy Commissioner who is second in
command of the force. The Senior Deputy Commissioner primarily functions to review, consult,
or advice agency matters before the Commissioner considers them. The RCMP employs three
categories of employees to handle the broad scope of its responsibilities: Regular Members
(Police Officers), Civilian Members, and Public Service Employees.
Although two provinces of Canada, Ontario, and Quebec, have decentralized police
systems, a single force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, has jurisdiction in the rest of the
country.
Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS)- collects extensive data on all
homicides and attempted homicides, sexual assaults, missing persons, unidentified bodies
of persons known or thought to be homicide victims, and nonparental abductions and
attempted abductions. However, although such systems have become an essential part of
police technology worldwide, their effectiveness has not been independently assessed.
NETHERLANDS
The National Police is an armed institute of a civil nature, with a hierarchical structure
whose mission is to protect the free exercise of rights and freedoms and guarantee citizen
security, with a scope of action throughout the national territory.
Said mission is materialized through the performance of the functions attributed by the
legal order to the National Police and, in particular, those provided for in Organic Law 2/1986,
of March 13, on Security Forces and Bodies. The attribution, organization, and performance of
functions and responsibilities are based on the principle of hierarchy. The superior command of
the National Police is exercised by the Minister of the Interior, through the Secretary of State for
Security. Direct supervision is exercised by the Director-General of the Police, under the
authority of the Secretary of State for Security.
National Police Agency operates under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior, but the
regional police forces provide the backbone of the policing system. There is also a military
police force, the Royal Dutch Constabulary (Dutch: Koninklijke Marechaussee), which operates
in rural areas and polices the Dutch borders.
HZL
Page 5 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
carry out all of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s operational tasks. The brigades are part of
the National Tactical Command.
The National Tactical Command (NTC) is the operational headquarters of the Royal
Netherlands Marechaussee. It gathers and analyses information that is of importance to the
performance of Royal Netherlands Marechaussee tasks. The NTC supplies this information to
the brigade teams in the Netherlands in the form of work orders.
Established in 2016, the NTC transformed the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee into an
information-driven organization. Prior to 2016, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s
operations were largely defined by specific areas and districts. This organizational change was
needed to properly respond to the growing threats of cross-border crime, terrorism and illegal
migration.
Central Unit
The Central Unit carries out specialist tasks in support of the Regional Units. The Unit’s
Chief Constable is responsible for its day-to-day management. The Central Unit’s tasks include:
Regional Units
The national police force consists of 10 Regional Units. Each Unit is managed by a Chief
Constable and consists of districts divided into Frontline Teams. Each team provides primary
police services in a municipality, part of a large town, or cluster of smaller ones. The groups,
consisting of Constables and Senior Constables, neighborhood police officers, detectives, and
one or more team chiefs, are responsible for ensuring that the neighborhood, town, or region is a
safe and pleasant environment to live. They answer calls for emergency assistance, patrol the
streets, advise on crime prevention, resolve traffic-related issues, conduct necessary investigative
activities, assist the public, process official reports, and share information within their networks.
FRANCE
HZL
Page 6 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
3. and the Compagnie Républicaine de la Sécurité (CRS).
1. Police Nationale- deal with all crime within the jurisdiction of their police station
(commissariat de police) and are most commonly seen in towns, distinguished by the
silver buttons on their uniforms. At night and in rain and fog, they often wear white caps
and capes.
2. Gendarmerie nationale/gardes-mobiles- part of the army and under the control of the
Ministry of Defence, although it’s at the service of the Interior Ministry. Gendarmes wear
blue uniforms and traditional képis, and are distinguished by the gold buttons on their
uniforms. They deal with serious crime on a national scale and general law and order in
rural areas and are responsible for motorway patrols, air safety, mountain rescue, and air
and coastal patrols. Gendarmes include police motorcyclists (motards), who patrol in
pairs. The 3,600 brigades of gendarmes are to be linked into groups of three or four to
improve law enforcement in rural areas.
3. Compagnie Républicaine de la Sécurité (CRS)- referred to as the riot police, as it’s
responsible for crowd control and public disturbances, although it also has other duties,
including life-saving on beaches in summer. Over the years the CRS has acquired a
notorious reputation for its violent response to demonstrations (manifestations) and
public disturbances, although often under extreme provocation. The mere appearance of
the CRS at a demonstration is enough to raise the temperature, although it has been trying
to improve its public image.
JAPAN
Japan: National Police Agency (警察庁, Keisatsuchō) is an agency administered by the
National Public Safety Commission of the Cabinet Office in the cabinet of Japan and is the
central coordinating agency of the Japanese police system. It is the central coordinating body for
the entire police system. Its role is to determine general standards and policies. Although, in
national emergencies or large-scale disasters, the agency is authorized to take command of
prefectural police forces.
As of 2008, the total strength reached approximately 289,800 personnel. The NPA total is
about 7,600 with 1,800 police officers, 900 Imperial guards, and 4,900 civilians. The Prefectural
police total is about 282,200 with 253,400 police officers and 28,800 civilians.
Quick Facts about Japan’s Police System
Japan National Police Agency - a totally gun less police force, except for its special attack
team.
Koban- a system of policing adopted in Japan
Kempetai- refers to the Japanese military force.
HZL
Page 7 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
HZL
Page 8 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
United States of America
The United States' has a system of policing based on the modern English police system.
After the civil war, policing became more paramilitary, with the increased use of uniforms and
military ranks. In recent years, in addition to federal, State, and local police forces, some special
districts have been formed to provide extra police protection in designated areas. These districts
are known as neighborhood improvement districts, crime prevention districts, or security
districts.
Law enforcement in the United States is one of the three major components of the
criminal justice system, along with courts and corrections. Although there is an existence of an
inherent interrelatedness among the different groups that make up the criminal justice system
based on their crime deterrence purpose, each component operates independently from one
another. However, the judiciary is vested with the power to make legal determinations regarding
the conduct of the other two parts.
Historical Background of the United States Police System
When the thirteen original colonies, which initially composed the original countries of
the United States of America, broke up with the English crown and declared themselves
independent in 1776, they already had a century or more of criminal justice behind them. Their
criminal laws changed little over the decades that followed independence. The English common
law that had prevailed in the colonies continued to influence the policing system in the United
States.
But one crucial aspect developed that was something unique, in that "unlike most
advanced nations at that time, and the United States does not legislate a national criminal code."
Each of the original states maintained full sovereignty over criminal matters, as did the states that
subsequently joined the union.
The only exception was jurisdiction over the initially quite limited number of federal
crimes, which were prosecuted in federal courts. Consequently, each state had to rely on its
resources to maintain its criminal justice system, that is, the lockups, the courts, the prison
buildings, and to pay for its law enforcement officers, like the sheriffs, the magistrates, judges,
and prison wardens.
Policing in the United States is divided into three broad categories: federal, state, and
municipal agencies.
1. FEDERAL POLICE
Agencies operated by the federal government at the national level
These police officers enforce federal criminal laws that are passed by the United States
Congress and signed into law by the president.
They have the authority to arrest anyone who violates federal criminal laws within the
specific area they are hired to protect.
Some Federal Agencies Having Police Functions
HZL
Page 9 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
Bureau of Narcotics (Department of Treasury)
Investigated all violations of federal law relating to prohibited drugs
Immigration and Naturalization Service (Department of Justice)
Investigates all violations of immigration and naturalization laws, patrol borders to
prevent the private entry of aliens.
United States Marshals Service
The United States Marshals Service is the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency.
Marshals serve to protect federal judicial officials, maintain security in federal courthouses, and
protect the safety of the witnesses in federal trials who are endangered by testifying.
The United States Marshals also track down fugitives from justice from across the world,
transport federal prisoners who need to be moved across jurisdictions, and maintain detention
facilities for prisoners who are awaiting sentence.
2. STATE POLICE
Includes special investigative agencies that concentrate on statewide law enforcement.
Some states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan has a single State Police
Department that is responsible for both traffic and criminal investigative responsibilities.
One Unit is responsible for patrolling state turnpikes and highways. The second Unit is
responsible for investigating criminal offenses.
State law enforcement may be responsible for running state law enforcement training
academies, providing emergency medical services, maintaining a crime lab, and
providing other services that are needed to support local-level law enforcement efforts.
3. MUNICIPAL POLICE
The Municipal Police includes police assigned in the village, township, city and county
police departments, sheriff departments.
Municipal law enforcement agencies are those police departments created to serve an
incorporated city, town, village, or borough. The primary reason municipalities establish
a police department is to maintain order.
HZL
Page 10 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
Reduce the opportunities for the Commission of some crimes through preventive patrol and other
measures.
Aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm.
Protect constitutional guarantees.
Facilitate the movement of people and vehicles.
Assist those who cannot care for themselves.
Resolve conflict.
Identify problems that are potentially dangerous law enforcement and political problems.
Create and maintain a feeling of security in the community.
Promote and preserve civil order.
Provide other services on an emergency basis.
General Requirements
A. Is a U.S. citizen
B. Is at least 21 years of age
C. Has at least 20/20 vision uncorrected; (or 20/20 corrected by glasses)
D. Can distinguish colors
E. Is physically and mentally healthy
F. Applicants who have served in the military must have been honorably discharged
G. May not have been convicted of driving while intoxicated and must hold a valid license for at
least three years before application and have a driving record.
H. Applicants should have no criminal conviction, although some misdemeanor crimes may bar
applicants from a law enforcement position.
I. All applicants are expected to be free from drug use, be of good moral character, and have
personal integrity.
J. No applicant should have any history of criminal or improper conduct, have a poor employment
record, or have an irresponsible financial account.
K. Generally, applicants should at least have a GED equivalency or a high school diploma.
However, some departments, such as that in Dallas, Texas, are requiring 60 or more hours of
completed college coursework.
Two Basic Forms of Private Police
1. Proprietary Police - when a person wishes to receive service, he hires and security personnel
directly
2. Contract Security - services of an independent security company
Police Agencies in the United States
1. New York Police Department- the largest police force in the United States. It is where the first
full-time police force was organized in the United States.
2. Texas Ranger- it is the police force initially created in response to colonization.
3. Boston Police Department- is the first local modern police department established in the United
States.
4. Pennsylvania State Police- the first state police agency established.
5. Los Angeles Police Department- the police force that hired the first female police officer- Alice
Stebbins Wells.
The United States police rank model is generally quasi-military in structure. Although the
vast and varied number of federal, state, and local police departments and sheriff's office have
different ranks, a general model, from highest to lowest rank, would be:
HZL
Page 11 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
New York City Police Department (NYPD)
The New York City Police Department (NYPD), established in 1845, is currently the
largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law
enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City.
The NYPD is one of the oldest police departments established in the United States.
(Although, the Boston police department was established some seven years earlier.) It has its
headquarters in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
AUSTRALIA
Australian Federal Police (AFP)
The Australian Federal Police is involved in preventing and investigating crimes against
the commonwealth. It was established by the Federal Police Act of 1979 and is under the Home
Affairs Ministry, a responsibility of the Minister for Home Affairs.
GERMANY
Policing in Germany is constitutionally vested in the states. Each of the sixteen states
(laender) of Germany has its police organization. Police forces for each laender are controlled by
the INTERIOR MINISTRY.
HZL
Page 12 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
B. Kriminalpolizei (Kripo) who are plainclothes Police who handle serious crime investigations
and situations that require developing a case against a suspect.
C. Bereitschaftspolizei (Bepo) who are officers-in-training living in barracks, but they serve as
civil order police when the situation arises.
D. Bundesgrenzschutz or BGS (Federal Border Police) under the Interior Ministry which is in
charge for border control, sea patrol, airport and railroad security. They may also assist in
significant civil disturbances beyond the scope of the Laender Police. Included in the BGS is a
special task force called Special Group 9 (BGS-9) that handles terrorist incidents.
General Requirements
An individual who aspires to a career of policing usually joins the German Police at the young
age of sixteen or seventeen (16-17).
First, 2 ½ -3 years are spent living in the barracks and undergoing basic training. A large part of
this training focuses on riot control, and the rest involves conventional school subjects, the law,
and law enforcement.
After years of basic training and civil disorder control work, the Bepo officers spend about six
months in general law enforcement training before beginning street patrol work.
CHINA
China Police System
1. Ministry of National Defense - is the top of the hierarchy with judicial and public security
agencies such as the Ministry of Public Safety and the Ministry of State Security.
2. Ministry of Public Security - is the principal police authority of the mainland of the People's
Republic of China, which oversees the day to day law enforcement. (It is the equivalent of the
National Police Agency in Japan).
3. Ministry of State Security - the Chinese government's largest and most active foreign
intelligence agency, though it is also involved in domestic security matters.
ITALY
There are various Police ( polizia) forces in Italy, most of which are armed (some even
brandish machine guns). All police come under the Ministry of the Interior, apart from the
carabinieri, which come under the Ministry of Defence in certain matters.
A 1981 reform was supposed to merge the carabinieri with the other police forces,
although nothing came of it and there’s still considerable duplication of their roles. Both
carabinieri and ‘ordinary’ police are responsible for public order and security, and you can
contact either to report a crime; dial 112 (non-emergencies) or 113 (emergencies) for police
assistance. You should report a theft to the carabinieri or the polizia di stato.
Carabinieri
The carabinieri is an individual branch of the army (numbering around 113,000), with
similar functions to the police, particularly concerning the criminal investigation. They deal with
a national and serious crime, including organized crime, and are Italy’s most efficient and
professional police force (and the best-funded).
HZL
Page 13 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
The carabinieri officers are distinguished by their dark blue uniforms with a red stripe
down the side of the trousers and white shoulder belts; they also have splendid ceremonial
uniforms with long cloaks and ‘Napoleonic’ hats. They’re housed in barracks (caserma) in all
major towns and cities, drive navy blue cars and also employ helicopters, aircraft and speed
boats.
State Police
The polizia di stato or polizia statale is a national or state police force, with branches
responsible for the security of main roads (polizia stradale), the rail system (polizia ferroviaria)
and airports (polizia aereoportuale). Officers wear light blue trousers with a thin purple stripe
and a dark blue jacket.
They have stations (questura or a commissariati in smaller towns) in all main towns and
cities, and drive light-blue cars with a white stripe and ‘ Polizia’ written on the side. If you want
to obtain a residence permit, you should go to the polizia (ask for the Ufficio Stranieri).
Local Police
The vigili urbani are municipal or local Police, who deal mainly with local traffic control
and municipal administration, and consequently aren’t very popular (not that any police are
popular).
Officers wear white helmets and dress in black in winter and blue in summer, drive black
and white cars or ride motorcycles or bicycles. Some municipal police speak foreign languages,
shown by a badge on their uniforms.
Guardia di Finanza
The guardia di finanza (numbering around 68,000) is responsible for regulating national
and international financial dealings and combating fraud, counterfeiting, tax evasion and
smuggling.
They’re particularly active at border crossings, airports and ports, where they operate fast
powerboats to apprehend smugglers. Officers wear grey/green uniforms with a badge of yellow
flames on the shoulders (hence their nickname of fiamme gialle). Although it’s highly unlikely,
you could be stopped by an officer of the guardi guardia di finanza if you leave a shop without a
receipt for a purchase.
Italian Police Hierarchy
HZL
Page 14 of 14
Comparative Models in Policing
Chief Commissioner – The highest rank in the Italian police hierarchy is of chief commissioner,
a high level commissioned police rank. This rank is also referred as chief of police, a covetous
official municipal employee. The entire Italian police department is directed to report to the
police chief commissioner.
Commissioner– Second in command and subordinate to chief of Commissioner is the rank
commissioner, an ardent professional whose services and duties are owed to the town and people
of the town.
Deputy Commissioner – The third highest rank in the police career hierarchy, the deputy
commissioner also known as deputy chief of police. The deputy commissioner acts according to
the orders of the police commissioner
Inspector Top Deputy Commissioner– Subordinate to deputy commissioner, this rank works
for the safety of common man and maintain peace and justice in the town.
Inspector Top–Next in the Italian police hierarchy is inspector top. This rank is present in
Italian police hierarchy not similar to U.S. police hierarchy where this rank is not available.
Chief Inspector–Chief Inspector reports directly to the inspector top. Chief inspectors are the
high ranking senior police officers.
Inspector – A mid-level rank in the Italian police hierarchy is of an inspector. In Italian police
hierarchy, the rank of Maresciallo was replaced by the rank Inspector after the reorganization in
1981.
Deputy Inspector – Deputy Inspector is in command in absence of an inspector and assists the
inspectors to serve the country.
Chief Superintendent–Amid-level police officer rank senior to the superintendent rank and
working under the supervision of a deputy inspector to maintain law and order in the town.
Superintendent–A rank subordinate to chief superintendent is of superintendent in Italian police
hierarchy, a higher level non – commissioned officer rank.
Deputy Superintendent – Works as an assistant to superintendent and follows superintendent’s
orders, a non – commissioned officer rank.
Assistant Chief –. This is second lowest rank in the Italian police hierarchy. An assistant chief is
assigned with the task of solving the crime cases, even historical crimes.
Agent –The lowest rank in Italian police hierarchy is of an agent. These are specially trained
officers fulfilling the duty of prevention and detection of the crime in the city. In some countries,
an agent position is not officially appointed and serves the police department as a private
investigator.
HZL