Summary
While the primary function of police departments has remained consistent over time—to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property— how departments deliver their services is becoming more complex. Crime rates have generally declined over the past two decades, but the public is increasingly asking police departments to respond to a broader range of calls. Those calls often require more sophisticated equipment and better or differentially trained personnel. Furthermore, many jurisdictions have been asking its police services to integrate their functions with other first responder agencies to include fire services and emergency medical services.