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 Washington State, police officers are sworn law enforcement personnel who take an oath to uphold the law, protect the public, and serve their communities. Their duties include enforcing state statutes and local ordinances, investigating crimes, and apprehending individuals suspected of criminal activity. Police departments operate at various levels, including city, county, and state, and are governed by a combination of state laws and local regulations. The Washington State Criminal Procedure outlines the powers and responsibilities of police officers, including the legal standards for making arrests, such as the requirement of probable cause. Additionally, the use of force by police officers in Washington is regulated by state law, which includes guidelines to ensure that any force used is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.