[craftinator]

The main role of the police is to act as a deterrent for criminal behavior, not to fight crime (though they do both). Being seen by everyone who drives by fulfills the deterrent role, while allowing them to generate income for their precinct that keeps taxes lower.

[senectus1]

I think you might have a very select "definition" of Police:

police /pəˈliːs/ noun 1. the civil force of a state, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order. "when someone is killed, the police have to be informed" synonyms: police force, police officers, policemen, policewomen, officers of the law, the forces of law and order, law enforcement officers, law enforcement agency; More verb 1. (of a police force) have the duty of maintaining law and order in or at (an area or event). synonyms: maintain law and order in, keep the peace in, keep guard over, keep watch on, watch over, guard, protect, defend, patrol, make the rounds of "it would not be possible to police the area effectively"

[craftinator]

I define the police by what they do, not by any dictionary definition. I have several friends and former co-workers who are police officers, and most of them believe that their primary role is to be seen and project a presence over an area. I know there are many, many different specific jobs in the police force (in the USA), but the most man hours are put into driving around (often in high crime areas) and keeping an eye on things. Any police officers want to offer their opinions?