The police force plays an integral role in the state's judicial system. To most people, the word "police" connotes state agents whose job it is to keep the peace, particularly through the application of the penal code as it is normally understood. Today's police force is responsible for much more than just keeping the peace and apprehending criminals; they also assist with things like enforcing traffic laws, keeping crowds under control at events like rallies and fairs, assisting the fire department and flood rescue teams, and mediating minor disputes between members of the public