Which of the following is NOT a core function of police?

• A. Providing Social Services
• B. Crime Prevention
• C. Law Enforcement
• D. Public Order Maintenance

Answer: (A)

Three basic functions of police are crime prevention, enforcing laws, and maintaining public order. Crime prevention focuses on reducing opportunities for crime through patrols, community engagement, and problem-solving. Law enforcement involves investigating offenses, apprehending suspects, and applying the legal process. Public order maintenance covers handling disturbances, crowd management, and keeping traffic and activities safe and orderly. Providing social services, like welfare assistance or housing support, is typically the domain of social services or other agencies. Police may coordinate with these resources or assist during crises, but it isn’t considered a primary police duty. In modern policing, there’s a strong emphasis on partnerships to address underlying issues, but the main functions remain crime prevention, law enforcement, and public order maintenance. Hence, Providing Social Services is not a core police function.