What are the two main responsibilities of police officers under the Police Services Act?

The primary responsibilities of police officers under the Police Services Act focus on the fundamental duties that are central to policing. The act emphasizes the importance of preserving the peace and preventing criminal offenses as foundational elements of law enforcement.

Preserving the peace involves maintaining public order and ensuring that the community feels safe and secure. This can include intervening in disputes, managing crowds, and engaging with the public to foster a sense of security. Preventing criminal offenses is equally critical, as it speaks to the proactive role that police must take in deterring crime through both presence and community engagement. By focusing on these responsibilities, police officers work to create an environment where crime is less likely to occur.

The other options involve important aspects of policing but do not encapsulate the core responsibilities defined in the Police Services Act. For instance, enforcing laws and providing legal advice, while relevant, mix enforcement with legal counsel, which typically falls outside the direct responsibilities of police officers. Similarly, detaining suspects and collecting evidence is more of an operational function rather than a broad responsibility outlined in the act. Assisting in community programs and traffic control, while valuable, represent specific tasks that stem from the larger responsibilities of peacekeeping and crime prevention rather than being standalone core duties.