What was the original purpose of state enforcement agencies and what seems to be the primary purpose of them now? Why do you think their functions evolved in this way?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

State police were legislatively created to deal with the growing incidence of crime in nonurban areas-a result of the increase in population mobility. County sheriffs had proved ineffective at dealing with wide-ranging criminal activities, and most local police agencies were unable to protect effectively against highly mobile lawbreakers who randomly struck at cities and towns throughout a state. As a result, state governors began to develop plans for police agencies that would be responsible to the state. Today, about 23 state police agencies have the same general police powers as municipal police and are territorially limited by the state's boundaries. They provide investigative services. The remaining state police agencies are primarily responsible for highway patrol and traffic law enforcement. Some state police have crime laboratories that aid local departments, some provide special services and technical expertise, and some are involved in highly sophisticated traffic and highway safety programs. The changing role of state enforcement agencies could be because their original purpose is no longer necessary. Local law enforcement that has the ability to be highly mobile as well can now address the crime functions that were the responsibility of state enforcement. In these instances, providing highway patrols can give the support local law enforcement still needs. In states where the enforcement continues to serve the same police functions, those states still see the benefit in having departments that operate independently of what local law enforcement is able to achieve.