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 New York, the police are sworn law enforcement officers who take an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the community. Their primary responsibilities include enforcing state and local laws, investigating crimes, and making arrests when necessary. The New York State Police and local police departments, such as the New York City Police Department (NYPD), operate under state statutes and local ordinances that govern their conduct and procedures. These laws ensure that police actions are in line with constitutional protections, such as the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police officers must follow strict protocols when conducting investigations and making arrests to ensure that individuals' rights are respected. Additionally, New York has various oversight mechanisms in place, including internal affairs divisions and civilian complaint review boards, to hold police accountable for their actions.