UNIT 2. THE BRITISH POLICE

Подберите русские соответствия для английских выражений.

Выберите правильный вариант ответа.

1. headquarters

a) a quarter of a head

b) a place from which operations are controlled

c) a chief public representative of a country

2. law abiding

a) obeying laws

b) creating laws

c) breaking laws

3. to sue

a) to take a person to prison

b) to bring a person to court

c) to prosecute a person

4. to abuse the powers

a) to exceed the powers

b) to lack the power

c) to use the power

5. a constable

a) a prosecutor

b) the lowest rank in the police forces

c) the head of the police forces

Прочитайте и переведите текст.

TEXT

The British Police

The police have many functions in the legal process. As well as gathering information for offences to be prosecuted in the courts the police have wide powers to arrest, search and question people suspected of crimes and to control the actions of members of the public during public demonstrations and meetings. In some countries the police have judicial functions; for example, they may take a decision as to guilt in a driving offence and impose a fine without the involvement of a court.

The mere presence of the police is a factor in deterring people from committing offences. A just legal system needs an independent, honest police force. In countries where the public trusts the police force they are more likely to report crimes, and it seems that they are also more likely to be law-abiding.

Police powers are great and they are given to the police as part of their overall responsibility to enforce the law but they are all governed by the law and are subject to strict control by rules and regulations. For example, a British police officer is subject to the law and may be sued or prosecuted for any wrongful act committed in carrying out duties. Legislation and the code of practice in England are designed to prevent any abuse of power enjoyed by the police officer. In 1985 The Police Complaints Authority was established to supervise the investigation of any serious complaint against the police officer.

The police in Britain are organized very differently from any other country. Most countries have a national police force which is controlled by central Government. Britain has no national police force although the police is supervised by the central Government’s Home Office. There is a separate police force for each of 52 areas into which the country is divided. Each has a police authority – a committee of local county councilors and magistrates. The policing of London is in the hands of the Metropolitan Police Force with headquarters at New Scotland Yard. The forces co-operate with each other but it is unusual for members of one force to operate in another’s area unless they are asked to give assistance.

One of the important powers of the police which has caused much difficulty and controversy is the power to question or interview persons suspected of crime. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984provides numerous laws to protect people in England who are being interviewed by the police.

All members of the British police must gain a certain level of academic qualifications at school and undergone a period of intensive training. The career structure in the British police force allows to be promoted from constable to sergeant, then through inspector and superintendant to chief constable. In London the Head of the Force is called the Metropolitan Commissioner. He heads the force which now has more than 25,000 police officers—one-fifth of all the officers in England and Wales. The police are helped by a number of special constables- members of the public who work for the police voluntarily for a few hours a week. Women make up about 10 per cent of the police force.

In most countries the police carry guns. The British police generally do not carry firearms, except in Northern Ireland.. In certain circumstances specially trained police officers can be armed, for instance, those who guard politicians and diplomats or who patrol airports. but only with the signed permission of magistrate.

The police now use advanced modern equipment. This ranges from motorbikes and squad cars to helicopters. It includes the most advanced surveillance aids and access to the Police National Computer and the facilities of the Forensic Science Service. This service runs highly sophisticated laboratories where forensic scientists carry out the scientific examination of exhibits.

Ever since the first police force in England was founded, the police have come under criticism—for denying civil liberties, for failing to catch criminals or for catching the wrong people. These cases which have resulted in serious injustice have had a profound effect upon the whole criminal justice system and, of course, the police and the manner in which they carry out their duties. They have also resulted in very significant changes in the law.

4. Выразите согласие/несогласие со следующими утверждениями по содержанию текста.

1. The British police have no judicial power.

2. The police have judicial functions to impose a fine without the involvement of a court.

3. The policing in London is in the hands of Scotland Yard.

4. British policemen always carry firearms.

5. The Police forces in England do not cooperate with each other.

6. It is not necessary for policemen to be well-educated.

Ответьте на вопросы по тексту.

1. What are the functions of the British police?

2. What is the Сode of Practice designed for?

3. How are the British police organized?

4. Are women allowed to serve in the police forces?

5. Why is it important for the police to work in close contact with the public?

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