What term describes the perception that law enforcement exists solely to maintain order?

The term that describes the perception that law enforcement exists solely to maintain order is best identified as the "Law Enforcement Industrial Complex." This concept highlights how law enforcement agencies, through their structures and operations, prioritize the maintenance of societal order often at the expense of broader justice issues. In this framework, law enforcement is viewed as a pivotal mechanism within society that focuses on stability and control, sometimes leading to concerns about the overreach or excessive emphasis on order maintenance rather than addressing the root causes of crime or ensuring equitable justice for all individuals.

The other terms do not encapsulate this specific perception. "Protective Services" refers more broadly to services aimed at preserving public safety, which can encompass various agencies beyond law enforcement and doesn't exclusively imply order maintenance. The "Criminal Justice System" encompasses the entire ecosystem including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, which makes it a more general and multifaceted concept. Lastly, "Force for Stability" suggests a role focused on upholding stability but lacks the critical context that the "Law Enforcement Industrial Complex" provides regarding the complexities and implications of this focus on order.