Lothian and Borders Police
Society has long established standards of behaviour that are recognised as necessary to allow people to live in relative harmony. Over time, these standards have been constantly challenged and are regularly reinforced through legislation and legal decision.
The core principles of Scottish policing (new window) are founded on the duty to guard, patrol and watch so as to prevent the commission of offences, to preserve order, to protect life and property and where an offence has been committed, to take such lawful measures as may be necessary for the purpose of bringing the offender to justice with all due speed?.
Expectation is that society regulates itself, with the police there to prevent behaviour out-with the acceptable norm and to take action when unacceptable events occur. Clearly, acceptable behaviour changes over generations and current focus is more on the right of individuals within society and the recognition that an increasingly diverse society brings with it an obvious challenge to the very concept of 'established standards'.
While there is a significant amount of legislation proscribing 'criminal' behaviour, many laws are based on trying to enforce safe behaviour and these laws reinforce the duty to protect life and property. Globalisation, the removal of international frontiers, terrorism and internet crime are all new and developing aspects that pull focus away from community based policing. In addition, specialist units address emerging criminal and social issues, such as child abuse, domestic violence, drug and people trafficking.
There is a growing understanding that the police cannot 'make everything right' by themselves and that many partner organisations have a significant role in addressing the spectrum of issues that concern society.
