The police are law enforcement officers who usually take an oath (make a promise) to protect and serve their communities. Police officers—or collectively, police departments—enforce laws, investigate potential crimes, and make arrests.
In North Carolina, police officers are sworn law enforcement officials who take an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States, the State of North Carolina, and the ordinances of their local jurisdiction. Their primary responsibilities include protecting the safety and rights of citizens, preventing crime, and enforcing laws. Police officers conduct investigations, gather evidence, and have the authority to detain and arrest individuals suspected of criminal activity. Police departments, which are the collective organizations of these officers, operate at various levels including city, county, and state, and are governed by a combination of state statutes and local ordinances. The North Carolina General Statutes outline the powers and duties of law enforcement officers, while also setting standards for training and conduct through agencies like the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.