In common with police forces around the world, the task of Israel's police is to maintain the quality of life by fighting crime, assisting the authorities in carrying out the law and enforcing traffic regulations, as well as providing guidance on preventive measures for the safety and protection of the population.

The police's principal mobile task force, the Border Police, deals mainly with internal security problems and includes a special anti-terrorist unit. The frequency and threat of terrorist incidents led concerned citizens to request active participation in the protection of their communities. Thus, a volunteer Civil Guard was established (1974) to maintain neighborhood security units, including command centers, armed patrols, and training programs.​