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The Police in America, 4/e
Samuel Walker, University of Nebraska
Charles M. Katz, Arizona State University-West

Police Work
Peacekeeping and Order Maintenance

Chapter Overview

Most police work involves peacekeeping and order maintenance. Contrary to the "crime-fighting" image that dominates perceptions about the police role, the majority of police calls are for service situations such as domestic disputes, arguments, noise complaints, juvenile runaways and public nuisances. The purpose of this chapter is to examine peacekeeping and order maintenance situations that officers most frequently address, and their responses to them.

Special emphasis is placed on the prevalence of and police response to domestic disputes. The impact of mandatory arrest policies on parties in domestic disputes and the research examining these policies are also addressed. The chapter concludes with police strategies and responses to particular segments of the population such as the homeless, the mentally ill, persons with AIDS/HIV and juveniles. It will also address police response to crimes such as vice.