The idea of police role, function, purpose, or mission in society requires us to think beyond the technical and operational aspects of police work, and consider, if you will, the philosophy of policing, and/or more generally, the place of legitimate authority in society. Policing is one of those few lines of work, like teaching and medicine, which have intimate connections with social life, social progress, and social change. Too narrow a view of the police role is bad, and care must also be taken to avoid too broad a view. One of the main issues plaguing our police forces is the perception by many people that the force presents a threat to social order instead of protector. This perception is not helped by constant images of police forces breaking down a civil expression of dissent at an opposition rally or a peaceful anti-government protest. So on our show this week,we looked at how we view our police. Below is an excerpt from the full show.