The policeman is a uniformed figure. He has his baton or thick short stick with him. He stands for authority and order. He is posted at a police-station or at a street corner or at a traffic junction. He has often to go to a court of law. He has to chase ruffians or to control crowds. He has to be forever alert and watchful. He has to act quickly and powerfully.

He regulates traffic. He keeps an eye on bad characters. He takes night rounds. He is expected to protect people against thieves, burglars, robbers and gangsters. Heavy duty is forced on him in case of a riot or strike or some such other disturbance.

Each day is a day of risks for him. He becomes a rough man. Sometimes he shuts his eyes to gambling, drinking, stealing and such other evils. He lays himself open to the charge of bribery and corruption. His illiteracy, his poverty, his work and the people he has to deal with are among the causes of his lawlessness. Education might improve him.