Many societies have become more violent in recent years worldwide, challenging police forces to control crime. This rise in violence is the major reason for a decrease in the number of police officers in active service. Two aspects are to be considered: violent incidents have affected current police members with mental health issues, and fewer people want to apply to become part of the police force. Consequently, many societies have to suffer the consequences of reduced police forces, as they cannot control crime as effectively and appropriately as they should.
The decrease in the number of police officers has been affected for the rising violence in society. As a result, many current members cannot be in active service, as they have mental health issues inflicted by violent street environments they have to face. Furthermore, the perceived violence in the general population acts as a deterrent for those willing to become part of the police force. For instance, in my home country, the government offered positions that have not been fulfilled since my country has had an increase in street shootings between drug traffickers, with an increase in police officers being injured.
Unfortunately, societies cannot be protected as they should with reduced police forces, leading to an expansion of crime. Police officers have to respond not only to citizens’ requests like robberies but also to street incidents, such as traffic accidents and shootings. The scope of responsibilities for police forces is varied, demanding a great number of police officers on duty. Unfortunately, many nations cannot solved many of these situations, which leaves citizens unprotected. To illustrate, in the capital of my country, when criminal acts ocurr, families immediately phone the police for help. However, in many instances, the police simply answers desperate neighbors that they do not have police officers available to assit them.
In conclusion, the rise in violence is the major cause for the decreased number of police officers on duty, as violent incidents affect the mental health of a number of them. Furthermore, there are not new recruits because individuals are affraid of violence on the streets, relinquishing the idea of becoming police officers. Governments should implement safety measures for police officers on the streets, such as better guns and cars, thereby ensuring their security and showing citizens it is safe to become a defender of the law.