Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Police Force Organisation

Working out the different police forces has taken a while. here is my best summary:

  • State Troopers look after the roads - so they cruise around, creating small ponds of traffic moving at the correct speed limit (standard is 5-10 miles over the posted limit). They also pull people over and attend accidents. I'm not sure who does the chases.
  • County Police Departments look after county matters that don't happen on roads. 
  • Additionally, each incorporated city (I think there is a certain size you have to be to be a city) has their own police, that work within the city boundaries (presumably not on the roads, although when there are special events that need traffic direction, the city police do it, I think.)

Each force has their own car and uniform.
Other sort of police organisations:

  • National Guard - not quite sure what/who they look after, but seem para military (although the defence force gives left over equipment to the police force here, so it is hard to tell sometimes when things get tough). More research indicates that they are a branch of the armed forces, but they hold civilian jobs, and are on call for emergencies, rebuilding, and overseas missions as required.
  • SWAT - I had to look them up to know what they stand for - Special Weapons and Tactics - use specialised or military equipment and tactics. First formed in 1960's to deal with riots or gunmen, but increasingly used these days, for better or worse.

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