A police officer is a law enforcement employee of a police force who is responsible for keeping the peace, enforcing laws, protecting people and property, and investigating crimes

. They are also known as a policeman, policewoman, cop, officer, or constable

. Typical duties and responsibilities of police officers:

• Apprehending suspects

• Preventing, detecting, and reporting crimes

• Protecting and assisting the general public

• Maintaining public order

• Responding to incidents and investigating crimes

• Patrolling assigned areas

• Responding to emergencies

• Making arrests or issuing citations

• Controlling traffic

• Directing traffic during a parade

• Conducting preliminary or complete investigations

• Locating and questioning witnesses

• Assisting disabled or stranded motorists or citizens

• Investigating complaints and disturbances

• Gathering facts and collecting evidence of possible crimes

Police officers may be plain-clothed or wear a uniform and are generally given exemptions from certain laws to perform their duties

. They may be trained in special duties, such as counter-terrorism, surveillance, child protection, VIP protection, civil law enforcement, and investigation techniques into major crime including fraud, rape, murder, and drug trafficking