The role of the police

The police keep people safe and help the justice system work. They have special powers, and rules about how they use them.

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What the police do

The police keep the peace, prevent crime, investigate crimes and protect people, especially those who are vulnerable.
In an emergency, when life is in danger or a crime is happening, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.
The UK has many police forces, each covering an area, such as the Metropolitan Police in London.

Policing by consent

British policing is based on policing by consent: the police get their authority from public support, not from fear.
Most officers do not routinely carry guns.
If the police do something wrong, people can complain. In England and Wales, serious complaints can be looked at by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Police powers and your rights

Police powers include stop and search (if they have reasonable grounds) and arrest (if they suspect someone has committed a crime).
In England and Wales, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) sets rules for how police use their powers.
If you are arrested, you have the right to free legal advice, to have someone told where you are, and to be told why you have been arrested. A young person under 18 must have an appropriate adult with them when interviewed at a police station.
Worked example

Explain why the police need rules about how they use their powers.

  1. The police have strong powers, like stop and search and arrest.
  2. Without rules, these powers could be misused against innocent people.
  3. Rules like PACE protect people's rights and keep public trust (policing by consent).

Answer: To stop the powers being misused, to protect people's rights and to keep public trust.

Key idea

The police keep the peace, prevent and investigate crime and protect people. UK policing is by consent. PACE 1984 sets rules for police powers in England and Wales. Under 18s must have an appropriate adult in police interviews.

Key words
Policing by consent
The principle that the police get their authority from public support and trust, not from fear.
Right
Something you are entitled to, such as education or a fair trial.

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2 more questions

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  1. A burglar is breaking into your neighbour's house right now. Which number should you call?

    1. 101
    2. 111
    3. 999
    4. 118
    Show the answer

    Answer: 999

    999 is for emergencies when a crime is happening or someone is in danger.

  2. You want to report that your bike was stolen two days ago and nobody is in danger. Which number should you use?

    1. 101
    2. 999
    3. 111
    4. 112
    Show the answer

    Answer: 101

    101 is the police non-emergency number.

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Sources and references

Checked by the GCSE-ready editorial team, 16 October 2026. Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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