Abstract The writer of this essay examines sociological perspectives for lawenforcement. In this article, perspectives on crime and crime prevention are explored. The writer discusses sociology as a tool, that can be used at the planning and policy levels to devise more effective crime prevention strategies.
From the Paper "The first reaction of a working law enforcement officer on hearing the word sociology is likely to be negative. It evokes a mental image of naive professors who have little or no experience of crime, its perpetrators or its victims and who spend their time coming up with theories of root causes of crime that supposedly absolve criminals of all responsibility for their actions. This image, however, has been largely created by Hollywood and has little more ... "
Abstract This paper provides a broad outline of a lawenforcement organization that balances employee needs with organizational imperatives vis-a-vis performance. While such outlines are usually hypothetical exercises and little more, the paper notes approvingly the organization of the Philadelphia Police Department, especially its strong emphasis upon human development and information technology.
From the Paper "The task of policing is much more difficult today than it has ever been. For instance, the rising concerns about domestic terrorism have meant that police officers must now also be responsive to a type of criminal activity that was almost unheard-of only a decade or so ago. Moreover, the rise in civil litigation in America (a process which has now been on-going for at least a generation) has meant that police officers must be very concerned about how they interact with citizens. Because of developments such as these, policing today requires more well-rounded and professional officers than ever before - and that means developing police organizations that are better-rounded and more professional (let alone sophisticated) than ever before. "
This paper analyzes Randall Kennedy's book "Race, Crime and the Law," which presents an in-depth look at how issues of race link to crime and lawenforcement.
Abstract This paper examines the views and opinions of author Randall Kennedy, a Harvard law professor, regarding the correlation between crime and race. This paper explores Kennedy's argument which states that the field of lawenforcement in America is largely considered racist, especially by the African-American community. This paper analyzes the results of an investigation carried out by the author, which focuses on the issue of racial inequality in the justice system, which is largely overlooked. Kennedy's in-depth book details the numerous problems in the justice system, while also suggesting solutions. This paper delves into Kennedy's assertion that officials in lawenforcement must be forced to respect the rules prohibiting racial misconduct, while also stating that police and prosecutors engaged in illegitimate racial practices must be deterred from continuing to do so. The writer of this paper also reviews the author's particular style of writing, which, in the case of this book, appeals mainly to a white audience.
From the Paper "It must also be noted that Kennedy does not ignore serious issues of racial discrimination. However, he does frame them so the problems seem to be a result of a system or of the individuals in that system, rather than of society itself. A good example is seen where Kennedy describes abuse of power. Kennedy describes how police officers and judges can abuse their power and engage in racial misconduct. The abuse of power occurs because they are able to engage in this behavior unchecked. The emphasis is placed on controlling the behavior of those in power and maintaining standards. Kennedy argues that if standards and control are not maintained, then people can abuse their power without consequence of any action being taken. This creates a situation where complete control is lost, with this extending to problems greater than just racist behavior."
Abstract The paper examines a number of issues. Specifically, the paper provides a definition of justice as it pertains to lawenforcement and it examines the extent to which justice and American policing co-exist peacefully. The paper also examines the controversy surrounding various police practices in recent years and explores the issue of whether or not 9/11 is wholly responsible for the changes which have taken place. Finally, the paper briefly concludes with what the challenges facing American lawenforcement are in the years ahead and what can be done to overcome these challenges successfully.
From the Paper "Law enforcement in America is inextricably linked with the administration of justice. For example, if law enforcement is weak, then justice will not be served for victims and for their families. The following paper will define justice as it relates to law enforcement and outline three current practices of law enforcement which demonstrate the "successful achievement" of the aforementioned definition. The paper will also examine whether or not all parties would agree with the contention that the above practices demonstrate the proper administration of justice; additionally, the paper will consider the possibility that they may, in fact, lead to injustice. Proceeding onward, the paper will note how law enforcement has changed since September 11, 2001, whether these changes have been positive or negative, worthwhile or necessary and whether or professionals within the field have been concerned by their emergence."
Abstract This paper examines the specific uses of computers in lawenforcement in local, state, and federal governments. It describes different modern technologies that these governments are using for greater protection and security.
From the Paper "Presently, it is hard to come across any personal, business or private sector that is not set up or administered by computers as a means of protection, security or organization. The subsequent paragraphs will include examples, details, and facts in part how computers play a key role of importance in the criminal justice field. Computers intertwine within the criminal justice field in such areas dealing with all levels of government and law enforcement in private, local, state and federal levels."
This paper details the strategies and achievements by the state of Illinois when new laws were instituted to limit the use of excessive force by lawenforcement officers.
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the success of the 1982 Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act which steadily reduced the use of excessive force in the lawenforcement field. This paper also proves that through rapid mass communications there are ways and means to deal with specific situations without officers needing to resort to violence.
From the Paper "This program along with another entitled "Safe-cities Network: Performance Partnerships to Reduce Gun Violence," are enjoying a quite remarkable success. While the latter Initiative is not a Grant Program the Network does provide some very useful information. For example it connects with other communities and law enforcement agencies with peers working on similar issues. It supports partners and shares lessons learned via its own Web-site."
Tags:law, violence, legislature, legislation, technology, communication
Abstract This paper analyzes and examines the issue of racial profiling in lawenforcement. In Part II, the history and arguments surrounding allegations of racial profiling are discussed. Part III examines the common traits of effective racial-profiling legislation. Finally, this paper concludes with recommendations for ending racial profiling and for implementing effective racial-profiling legislation.
From the Paper "Racial profiling is one of the most controversial issues facing law enforcement today. Whether police officers deliberately stop, question, search, or arrest certain individuals based solely on their race or ethnicity is increasingly being debated by civil rights groups, law enforcement officials, ordinary citizens, and politicians. Scandals involving informants and police officers who planted drugs and other evidence on certain individuals in California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Texas, and Washington state have resulted in numerous criminal cases and sentences being dismissed, reduced, or suspended."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses lawenforcement as a career. According to the paper, over thirty years ago, the President's Crime Commission made the universal recommendation that every officer hold at least a baccalaureate degree. This paper researches and demonstrates a substantial positive fall out from the recommendation and the subsequent adoption of rules by many local and regional police forces regarding the holding of such degrees as mandate to either entering the police force or achieving growth in a professional level of service.
From the Paper "The assumptions of such an approach would be associated mainly with the individuals' reception to policing as a professional position that requires effort and education on the part of the potential individual officer. The growth of research on policing is a met assumption of the strategy of recommending and or requiring higher education for individual officers. The research has created a body of knowledge with regard to policing that is indispensable and will likely continue to do so. Developing a specialized education system for police officers and later commissioners and supervisory staff demonstrates the assumption that through such an education and a system the individual officer will be better prepared for the task and current on technology they may be utilizing to perform their jobs as officers and or detectives. As early as 1919 the development of creating a specialized sense of professionalism through education and on the job training is present and to a large degree the thoughts on the subject are that it has met its early assumptions and goals."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that classifications serve many purposes for different agencies and organizations and fields, including lawenforcement. Classification is a tool that, when used correctly, can help agencies devote time to critical matters efficiently. Classification provides agencies the ability to assign cases or problems to specific classes and people that provide expert advice and direction within those fields. The writer points out that this is an important consideration, especially with regard to the fields of law and lawenforcement. The writer maintains that without a well-defined classification system within the field of lawenforcement, too many cases might be overlooked or lumped into inappropriate categories, resulting in improper investigation or lack of follow up. The writer concludes that because there is so much potential for proper and efficient lawenforcement when categories and sub-categories are specialized, it is critical that lawenforcement agencies consider and review their classification system regularly.
Outline:
Classification Overview
Classification in LawEnforcement Purposes of Classes & Sub-Classes in LawEnforcement Reasons for Classification in LawEnforcement Classification by System
From the Paper "The role of the researcher in a law enforcement sub-category of social services may serve as a lecturer, offering information to organizations or companies about fields of interest in social work. The role of the head of the department may include supervising the work of field experts and monitoring progress, as well as assigning cases to specific experts in the social work sub-category of the classification of Social Work under law enforcement. Professional staff may also serve in the social work classification field under direction of one of the researchers or the head of the law enforcement agency; the role of this staff member may be administrative. This suggests an administrative officer working under the social work classification in law enforcement will help the department manage family law cases, including reports of abuse or recommendations regarding incarceration of related family or other information."
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship and interaction between public lawenforcement officers and the private security industry. In particluar, the paper looks at how, even though the relationship between the two entities has improved over the last decade with the assistance of liaison programs, there is still improvement needed especially with the expected rise of terrorism in the future.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Interacting with Components of the Criminal Justice System
LawEnforcement Officers vs. Corrections Officers
Interacting Within Their Own Ranks
LawEnforcement vs. The Private Security Industry
Teamwork and LawEnforcement: Integration
Integrating Public LawEnforcement vs. Private Security
Improving Relations Between LawEnforcement and Security
Liaison Programs to Improve Relations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Law enforcement historically has an attitude of "us vs. them" mentality when it comes to performing their duties when they should be working on ways to co-exists with other factions of the criminal justice system. While it is understood that public law enforcement officers do not have an easy job, public law enforcement officers need to understand that they are not the only ones out there doing the job of protecting lives and property of the public. The other components of the criminal justice system such as the court system, corrections and even private security officers do so as well. Great strides have been made to improve integrating cooperation of law enforcement officers with the other components of the criminal justice system, in particular the private security industry. However more improvement is needed for cooperation between the two entities as our society faces bigger threats in the future."
Abstract This paper focuses on the various issues that police officers have to face while enforcing the law and in particularly, looks at the ethical issues lawenforcers will encounter. The author explains that ethical issues are very much different for lawenforcers as the lines between strictly legal behavior and a pragmatic decision are blurred. The author goes on to discuss discretion in lawenforcement and explains how discretion is not always an easy choice and that it might mean different things from different standpoints. Several examples are given to illustrate the author's point. Additionally, the paper discusses the feeling of exclusivity that policemen have and their notion of looking after and out for each other. The author explains why this notion might cause ethical problems for some lawenforcers and in closing examines how skirting ethical issues to resolve a problem expeditiously might set officers on a slippery slope to criminal behavior.
From the Paper "Law enforcement is a different occupation than most. A policeman who walks out of the door one morning faces a greater likelihood of not returning home, than people from most other professions. Policemen are first responders to scenes of accidents and crimes. They have to deal with the lowest society has to offer, by using their experience, training as well as their instinct. Officers present the face of the judicial system--a key arm of the government--to the general public. This is an onerous task. And along with it comes other responsibilities. One is to uphold the law strictly, or bring to bear one's utilitarian leanings in the solution of problems that the police officer encounters several times a day. A police officer, as a representative of the judicial system also feels a sense of power."
Abstract This paper discusses lawenforcement and justice as currently practiced, changes in lawenforcement since September 11, 2001, the challenges facing lawenforcement, and predictions for the criminal justice system. The writer provides a personal definition of justice, as well as examples of current practices that demonstrate justice can sometimes result in an injustice. Three challenges to lawenforcement are discussed and suggestions made for the handling of these challenges. The last part of this paper contains predictions for the lawenforcement system.
Outline:
Definition of Justice
Current Practices
LawEnforcement after September 11, 2001
Challenges
Predictions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Law enforcement on a local level serves in a variety of law enforcement areas, including patrol in radio/computer equipped vehicles, patrol business and residential areas for prevention of criminal activities; enforce state and municipal laws/ordinances, respond to calls involving assaults, fights, domestic disturbances, and other criminal activities. Other duties also include conducting arrests, questioning and transporting suspects, processing of suspects into jail, preparing incident reports, securing and processing crime scenes, testifying in court proceeding, and presenting evidence / sworn testimony regarding the case, as well as responding to various civil complaints."
A paper which discusses the importance of lawenforcement officers to work with responsibility and commitment, within the ethical boundaries defined by society.
Abstract The paper shows that in order to keep the law and order situation of the society under control, it is necessary for the lawenforcement agencies to establish efficient and effective guidelines for lawenforcement. It shows too, however, that it is also important to consider the ethical perspectives before making any decision in this regard. The primary responsibility of the lawenforcement agencies is to work for the benefit of the society and serve the community. In this regard, they are responsible for protecting the citizens from criminal activities and keep the environment peaceful. The paper discusses how effective lawenforcement ensures the security of lives and properties of the citizens and safeguards their individual liberty and rights. In addition to this, the lawenforcement agencies should make sure that their actions and policies are in conformance to the ethical standards of the society and do not violate any ethical or moral principle.
From the Paper "It is also important to note that the law enforcement officials should be trustworthy, responsible, fair and should respect each and every member of the society regardless of his or her race, religion or ethnic origin. He or she should be honest with his or her job and should completely fulfill his or her obligations. In addition to this, he should be responsible enough to keep his promises and to fulfill his commitments. Another important aspect to be kept in mind, while serving as a law enforcement officer, is that he or she should respect the individual liberty of every individual and treat the citizens fairly regardless of their race, ethnicity or religion. Moreover, they should keep a considerably high level of tolerance and should patiently deal with individuals who are either not willing to cooperate with them or are trying to abuse them."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that for the past 40 years, lawenforcement in the United States has been accused of being ethnocentric and unable to accommodate cultures other than Caucasian white. The writer maintains that in a country founded by ethnic groups and immigrants, it is difficult to conceive of a practice that is so insensitive to the needs of other cultures. Further, the writer argues that in order to be an effective lawenforcement officer one must understand other cultures in a personal way that goes beyond language barriers. This research examines cultural issues related to lawenforcement as well as issues that may affect the ability to deliver fair and just lawenforcement for all cultures.
Outline:
Understanding Cultural Differences
LawEnforcement and Community Relations
The Roots of Racial Profiling
Racial Profiling and the Muslim Community
Is This Still Necessary, or Just an Excuse?
Works Cited
From the Paper "The formal definition of culture refers to a shared system of beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and the means that a group of people use to adjust to their world and others around them. Cultures are typically defined by their traits that make them different from other groups. All cultures have similarities and differences. Culture refers to the uniqueness of each and every group. It may include the way they dress, the foods that they eat, family structure, and moral values. Often other cultures are judged only by those things that are easily observable, such as the way they dress, their language, or the foods that they eat. However, cultural differences may not be as apparent on the outside and the necessity of cultural understanding may be missed by an officer. The ability to recognize what constitutes a multicultural experience and to recognize the diversity that exists is the first step to understanding differences."
Abstract This paper discusses how lawenforcement exists in a culture that is heavily influenced by a complex and often disturbing, yet influential mass media industry. The paper looks at how lawenforcement officers have the obligation to inform the public of recent events in the society in their jurisdiction and how mass media reports the information in ways that arouse the interests of the public. The paper also examines how the various forms of mass media send the message to the public about the lawenforcement's efforts to either educate the public or justify their existence. The paper concludes that it is clear that lawenforcement and the mass media have a relationship that calls for more interaction.
Outline:
Introduction
LawEnforcement Use of Media
Dissemination of Information
Media Implications: Issues and Controversies
From the Paper "Media encompasses every structure of printed as well as digital media and each category has many different forms, e.g., newspapers, magazines, television, movies, radio, and the internet. Sometimes people make the mistake of labeling the print media as 'liberal' or thinking that most reporters are anti-cop or that newspapers are anti-law enforcement. Media has the ability to set the agenda of what the consumers read, see, or think about. Wise law enforcement officers use the full services of the media when they have good news to spread and they don't wait to be contacted by reporters about the exceptional work done by their employees. They take a proactive approach to contact radio, television, and print media through media sources via press conference, news release, and an offer of personal interview or other methods of disseminating information. "
