Law enforcement officers are trained to protect and provide service to the community in which they work. Without an organizational structure within the department, there would be no checks and balances. Every officer must know the functions of law enforcement to do their job effectively in the community and know how to maintain an open line of communication within and outside of the police department. Crime prevention ensures public safety while providing police presence in areas with high or low population density. Preserving peace gives the community a sense of security. The provision of a service is not limited by the community where agents work or by the people who need help. This article will examine the organizational structure of police agencies, communication patterns within and outside the agency, identify existing problems with the police and the community and how these problems can be resolved. Traditional Organizational Structures of Police Agencies The history of police development in the United States began very differently than it does today. Before the term "police officer", there were watchmen (enforcers) which were developed in 1631 in Boston and New Amsterdam. The guards were American citizens but had no specialized training to become police officers. The United States adopted the Angelo-Sexton common law as a method of protecting citizens and enforcing the law. In 1844, the first police department began to take shape in the United States, but it was not until 1845 that the police department was fully operational and organized in New York. Modern law enforcement has seen overall improvement among various officers. The general appearance of the police department has also changed... middle of paper ...... ethnic groups. When officers and agencies encourage community activities, police presents can deter crime from the area, helping to preserve the peace. Conclusion The most important goal of any law enforcement agency is to make the citizens of the community feel safe and build trust. The Police Department is an organization that encourages strong ethics, integrity and community relations. Within each policing profession, there is a set of rules and guidelines that must be followed; a system of rules is necessary to help those making difficult decisions if and when a problem arises. Past actions are meant to help shape the future, so the relationship between ethnic groups and social class should not dictate how police treat these individuals. All individuals must be treated with dignity and integrity.