Juan Alcaraz Díaz (ASUNTOS POLICIALES)
I believe that one of the main tasks of the Police Corps – anywhere – should be to reflect the society they are called to protect. The police can not function properly if it gives the impression of being outside society, away from the culture and traditions of the environment in which it works because it runs the risk of losing the sympathy of the population, of being cut off from it and -about it. everything – of losing their trust, which is an essential condition for the maintenance of order and public safety. The police achieve their objectives when it constitutes a faithful reflection of the society they serve and is condemned to failure when it stops evolving in the same sense as this one.
The Police Corps must also face another challenge: work to prevent crime with as much energy as that traditionally used to combat it. In the same way that in medicine the best remedy is prevention, if the laws are not transgressed there is no need to apply sanctions.
We all know that no civilized society can enforce laws if citizens are not willing to obey them. Perhaps the best example is the fight against drug trafficking: if there were no drug addicts, there would be no drug trafficking. If we want to fight against the problem of supply, we must also deal with the problem of demand. What would mean the launch and maintenance of a large education campaign (current initiatives are insufficient and temporary) aimed at changing the attitude of people and make them aware of the ravages caused by the drug and suppose -aswise- the forecast of good treatments and the offer to our children and grandchildren of good future possibilities to avoid falling into this trap.
It is very important to prevent crime and it is also important to punish it when it occurs. Potential criminals must know that they will not be allowed to skip the values of civilized society. The punishment exercises a deterrent effect on them and also serves to protect potential victims.
Result of image of civic participation program in the police
It also requires the cooperation of other institutions of society such as schools, universities or different religions can be essential means to prevent and combat crime, given their role and experience. It also requires the collaboration of most citizens without whose trust the police can not act
This collaboration in turn imposes an obligation of openness and sensitivity to needs. The police agencies will only retain their legitimacy if they are listening to the authentic needs of the entire national community. It is necessary that citizens feel that the police defend their rights and not part of the problem. To this end it is essential that the Police can modify their priorities according to the evolution of society.
The ability to maintain the order of the Police Corps depends on the fair application of the law. In any democratic country, laws can not allow exceptions or objections. Precisely the laws are effective because they apply to everyone equally. No resentment can be an excuse to undermine the foundations of freedom. Firmness, patience and respect for life must always triumph over the violent.
Two of the fundamental principles of any peaceful and civilized society must be observed: the first is that in order to apply the law, it must be respected and the second, that in order to respect the law, it must be applied. All societies must learn again and again these principles that are the foundation of freedom and democracy, while defining the mission of the agencies responsible for enforcing laws.
The police services always have a great responsibility, which is what society has imposed on them. They are always entrusted with the most unpleasant tasks and are asked to face and resolve the daily dangers. They are asked to be brave but also sensitive, they are even required to decide on problems beyond their control.
The characteristics of crime evolve, as well as the instruments that it uses, that is why police methods must adapt to the times. But the ultimate goal remains the same: to guarantee peace and order that allow our society to progress with freedom and tranquility. This is the goal of a civilized society.