Mission
The Israel Police's main function as a law enforcement force is delineated in section 3 of the Police Ordinance (New Version) – 1971.
The above section stipulates: "the Israel Police shall deal with the prevention and disclosure of crime, the arrest of criminals and bringing them to trial, the secure protection of prisoners and the maintenance of public order and the security of life property".
The Israel Police acts pursuant to the authorities granted to each policeman via the Police Ordinance (New Version), 1971, as well as in accordance with additional legislation.
The authorities provided to the policeman in order to fulfill his duty include, amongst others, the following:
authority to investigate crimes and arrest criminals.
authority to bring those accused of crimes to trial.
authority regarding the supervision and regulation of traffic on the roads.
authority regarding the licensing and administration of businesses.
authority regarding marches and public assemblies.
assistance in the enforcement of verdicts and orders given legally empowered authorities.
Functions
The function of policemen is delineated in section 5 of the Police Ordinance (New Version), - 1971:
"It is every policeman's duty –
To ensure order on public roads and thoroughfares, on passageways, docks, ports, train stations, harbor docks, rivers, canals, lakes and within all places having public access.
To prevent disturbances during public gatherings or parades taking place on public roads and streets or near houses of worship during public prayer, and any situation in which a road, street, passage, dock or landing place might be crowded or blocked.
To deal with any offences committed on the road, the street, in a passage or in public places.
To receive any item or property found that has not been claimed, and to deal with it as stipulated.
To arrest any person regarding whom there is a reasonable ground to suspect of possessing or transferring, in any manner, stolen property or anything held illegally, and conduct a search on that person’s body and instruments.
The Israel Police perform acts in law enforcement, maintaining public order, protecting life and property, while respecting fundamental human rights.
The Police are responsible for implementing the functions and missions in the following areas:
Fighting crime: investigating crimes, finding criminals and bringing them to trial, exposing unreported crimes and preventing crimes.
Protecting the public order:
Handling citizen complaints in matters regarding the violation of law and order, dealing with illegal demonstrations and assemblies, dealing with business license issues, responsibility for public security.
Supervision and regulation of road traffic:
Directing traffic, enforcing traffic laws, investigating traffic accidents and bringing traffic criminals to trial.
Internal security:
Keeping the peace and combating terrorist activity – dealing with terrorist attacks, as well as thwarting them.