This report will focus on the police service. It will explain who the police are and their role and function within the criminal justice system and society. Additionally, it will discuss police misconduct and the consequences of such misconduct within the police, government and society. The police force was established in 1829 by Robert Peel, who was then Home Secretary. It was created because as society became more complex, there was a need to find a way to deal with civil unrest without resorting to the military (Mayor's Office of Policing and Crime 2014). To date, there are 43 police forces in England and Wales. The police are used “to prevent crime, protect life and property, and preserve the public peace” (Joyce, P 2009, p. 48). The police are only one agency within the criminal justice system. All agencies in the criminal justice system work together. Another agency in the criminal justice system is the Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for other parts of the justice system such as courts, prisons and probation services. For example, the police are responsible for maintaining public order and investigating crimes; she also collects evidence and arrests suspected offenders. In the event of an emergency, the public can call “999” and request the police to be dispatched. Once there, the police make a decision. If the matter is minor, then she decides whether to warn her or take no further action. They can also issue a fixed penalty notice or apply to the Crown Prosecution Service for a conditional penalty notice. If it is a more serious case, they send the documents to the Crown Prosecution Service for them to decide on prosecution. Once sent to the Crown Prosecution Service it is ...... middle of paper ...... online] [Last accessed March 6, 2014] http://www.theguardian.com/uk/ 2011/jun/20 /ian-tomlinson-death-officer-trialMayor's Office of Policing and Crime 2014. (2014). "The Metropolitan Police, how it all started". Available: http://content.met.police.uk/Article/The-Metropolitan-Police-how-it-all-began/1400015336362/1400015336362. [Last accessed 6 March 2014] The Crown Prosecution Service. (2014). “The Police”. Available: http://www.cps.gov.uk/about/cjs.html#a06. [Last accessed 6 March 2014]The Guardian (2012) PC Simon Harwood and Ian Tomlinson: key footage – video http://www.theguardian.com/uk/video/2012/jul/19/simon-harwood -ian-tomlinson -videoWalker, P (2012) “Death of Ian Tomlinson: Simon Harwood cleared of manslaughter” Available: http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jul/19/simon-harwood- not-guilty-ian-tomlinson [ Last accessed March 6 2014]