What Is the Role of County Police Departments?

County police departments serve and protect citizens of the county, particularly those outside cities in unincorporated areas. These departments play different roles in helping the community function properly.

Public Safety

One of the main jobs of a county police department is to keep the public safe. Officers do this in several ways, including traffic patrol, accident investigation and monitoring neighborhoods.

Resident Services

Some of the resident services county police departments provide are victims' assistance programs and sex offender registries.

County Ordinances

Officers enforce county ordinances, such as noise restrictions, fireworks safety and burning of residential trash. Penalties for violating county ordinances include a ticket and possible fine.

Criminal Records

Most county police departments have databases that show incident and arrest reports as well as outstanding warrants. A person can get a criminal-records report by going to the police department or viewing it on the Internet.

Animal Control

Another job officers assist with is animal control, including locking up strays and investigating animal bites.

Community Programs

Departments organize neighborhood watch groups and crime-prevention programs. Officers go to schools and local organizations to teach gun control, safety awareness and other programs.

References

• Police Officer Job Outlook