Peace Officers

At first glance, the terms police officer and peace officer do not appear distinct. But an examination of the history and responsibilities of the peace officer prove otherwise. Like the police officer, the peace officer has arrest powers (per respective jurisdiction); like the civilian, there is no existing administrative or review board to which the peace officer must answer. In truth, the peace officer has a blended identity: part civilian, part law enforcement officer.

Although legislation such as the United Peace Officer Bill, as passed in New York State in 1980, serves to delineate the differences between police and peace officers, the powers and responsibilities of peace officers vary by region and/or state. In general, peace officers are officials who can arrest citizens and carry firearms. They can be hired by private persons for work, including providing security, serving warrants, serving subpoenas, and transporting prisoners. Although primarily employed to handle civil matters, peace officers are also allowed to direct traffic and take mentally unstable people into custody.

Just as their responsibilities differ, so do the means by which one becomes a peace officer. Whether appointed or elected, peace officers must complete training as required per geographic region. Although training requirements vary, possible curricular offerings include appropriate terrorism response, CPR, weapons training, mental preparedness, and physical fitness. Just as training programs differ, so does the intensity of such programs. The state of Nevada, for example, requires its peace-officers-in-training to live in an academic dormitory for the duration of their training.

In a move toward accountability and professionalism, numerous organizations seek to improve the public image and private operations of peace officers. For example, the Alaska Peace Officers Association, California Peace Officers’ Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, Peace Officers Research Association of Nevada, and the Women Peace Officers Association of California all host Web sites listing training requirements, membership benefits, and support services for peace officers. In additional to those groups, the National Constable Association, National Peace Officers Association, National Latino Peace Officers Association, and Texas Peace Officers Association—the first organization for black peace officers in America—also provide professional status. And the State of Nevada Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training has produced a lengthy description of the Commission's activities and missions, including detailed reports on departmental audits, training and education of prospective peace officers, and the organization's chain of command. Common aims of affiliation in such organizations are adequate compensation and health, disability, and accident benefits, not to mention the ongoing support of members’ professional and economic lives.

Despite such attempts to professionalize their station, once peace officer status has been achieved, [Page 324]there is no formal means of disciplinary action against problem officers and no formal chain of command. One trade-off for such an arrangement is that peace officers receive no taxpayer funding—they are hired by private individuals and must purchase their own work-related equipment, including uniforms, firearms, and ammunition. So, although peace officers are charged with protecting the public, they are responsible for any expenses relative to their training or other equipment. In accordance with these contradictions, the position of the American peace officer is not without controversy or confusion, as evidenced by the history of the peace officer in America.

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