Final answer:
The perception of the police as primarily crime fighters is influenced by media portrayals, but in reality, their role is multifaceted, including peacekeeping and social services. Community-oriented policing efforts demonstrate the broader scope of their responsibilities. Public opinion on police roles varies, indicating the nuanced nature of their duties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that police themselves emphasize their role as crime fighters and play down their job as peacekeepers and social service providers can be seen as partially true and partially false. While police are often perceived and depicted in media as primarily focused on fighting crime, they also perform a wide range of duties, including peacekeeping and providing social services. Their work goes beyond mere enforcement of laws to encompass building ties and trust within communities, as part of community-oriented policing efforts, which have been shown to increase police legitimacy and reduce crime.
The role of police is complex, and while they are indeed critical in crime reduction strategies, such as targeted patrols in hotspot areas, they also engage in activities aimed at maintaining peace and offering assistance in social issues. Crime series and media coverage often portray the police primarily as crime fighters, which can contribute to this perception, but the reality of police work is far more nuanced.
Adding to the complexity, public perception and community needs vary, with surveys such as Saad 2020 and Yahoo/Yougov 2020 revealing that even within specific communities, such as the Black community, there are differing opinions on police presence and effectiveness. This indicates a multifaceted view of the police's role in communities.