What is the primary goal of law enforcement?

The primary goal of law enforcement is to ensure compliance with the law and maintain control of societal order. This encompasses various aspects, including the prevention of crime, apprehension of offenders, and the enforcement of laws to support a safe and secure environment for the community. Compliance ensures that individuals adhere to established laws and regulations, which in turn contributes to the overall sustainability of public order.

While deterrence of crime, community policing, and building public trust are significant components of law enforcement, they serve as strategies or approaches to further the overarching goal of maintaining compliance and control. For instance, effective community policing fosters cooperation between law enforcement and the community, which can lead to higher compliance with laws. Building public trust plays a crucial role in ensuring that the community collaborates with law enforcement to uphold the law. However, the primary function remains rooted in establishing and maintaining the societal norms through compliance and control.