How Police Are Different Around the World

How Police Are Different Around the World How Police Are Different Around the World While criminal justice and law enforcement share a lot in common across nations, there are also plenty of key differences. If youre used to what law enforcement looks like in the United States, you may be surprised to learn just how different the structure, organization, and even practices of police agencies around the world can be. A Rose by Any Other Name For the most part, the functions of police organizations- and the jobs of police officers- are the same or similar from country to country. Whether youre in Russia, New Zealand, the United States, or Argentina, police officers are responsible for maintaining public order, ensuring safety and security, and preventing and investigating crimes. Same Mission, Different Design The differences become apparent when you begin to look at how those institutions are organized, the equipment they use, and the ways in which they go about their jobs.