Introduction
The American criminal justice system is in dire need of reform. From police brutality to sentencing disparities, the system is biased against minorities. To create a fair and just society, we must start by changing the criminal justice system (Herman, 2018). Policing in America has come under fire in recent years due to high-profile cases of police brutality against unarmed black men. The recent protests against police brutality and systemic racism have called for changes to the criminal justice system. These changes must involve the police, the courts, and corrections to be effective (Neubauer & Fradella, 2018). This has led to increased public scrutiny of the criminal justice system and its disproportionately negative impact on minority communities. A new report from the U.S. Sentencing Commission finds that black men are sentenced to far more prison than white men for committing similar crimes. This highlights the need for more preventative measures to be put in place to decrease the number of fatalities associated with law enforcement intervention. Something must be done to address the issue of police brutality and systemic racism within the criminal justice system. This paper will discuss possible areas where the criminal justice system needs to reform.
Political Influence
According to the US Department of Justice, “political influence” is “the degree to which an agency or organization is responsive to or controlled by the political process.” In other words, political influence within criminal justice organizations refers to how these organizations are influenced by or responsive to political pressures. There is no doubt that political influence is pervasive within criminal justice organizations in the United States. This is evident in how police departments and district attorneys’ offices often respond to political pressure from elected officials, lobbyists, and special interest groups. For example, police departments may be pressured to increase the enforcement of specific laws or target certain groups. In contrast, district attorneys’ offices may be pressured to pursue charges in some instances or give lenient sentences to others.
There are several ways in which political influence can be pervasive within criminal justice organizations. One way is through political patronage, whereby jobs or contracts are given to the friends or allies of those in power rather than those who are best qualified. This can lead to cronyism and corruption, hindering the effectiveness of criminal justice organizations. Another way political influence can be pervasive is through abusing power by those in positions of authority (Lopez & Pasko, 2021). This can involve coercive or intimidating tactics to obtain compliance from subordinates or misuse resources for personal gain. Finally, political influence can also be exerted through manipulating the law or using discretionary powers. This can result in unfair or inequitable treatment of those subjected to the criminal justice system.
One reason political influence is so pervasive within criminal justice organizations is that these organizations are often highly complex and bureaucratic. This complexity makes it difficult for individual members of these organizations to resist political pressure, as they may need to understand the implications of their actions fully or may be afraid of retribution from their superiors. Another reason political influence is pervasive within criminal justice organizations is that these organizations are frequently underfunded and understaffed (Lopez & Pasko, 2021). This lack of resources can make it difficult for these organizations to resist political pressure, as they may be afraid of losing funding or personnel if they do not comply with the demands of those in power.
So, what can be done about the pervasive problem of political influence within criminal justice organizations? One possible solution is to increase transparency and accountability within these organizations. For instance, police departments and district attorneys’ offices could be required to publicly release data on all arrests, prosecutions, and sentencing outcomes. Independent experts could then analyze this data to ensure that these organizations are not disproportionately targeting specific groups of people or engaging in other discriminatory practices.
Another possible solution is to create independent oversight boards to monitor the activities of criminal justice organizations. These boards could be composed of civilians with the power to investigate complaints, impose punishments, and make recommendations for reform (Lopez & Pasko, 2021). It is also important to note that political influence within criminal justice organizations is not necessarily illegal. However, if these organizations engage in discriminatory or otherwise illegal practices, there may be grounds for legal action.
It is difficult to say whether or not the pervasiveness of political influence within criminal justice organizations is illegal. This is because the extent to which political influence can be exerted often depends on the context in which it takes place. In some cases, using political influence may only be considered a problem if it leads to the misuse of resources or the abuse of power. In other cases, the use of political influence may be considered illegal if it results in unfair or inequitable treatment of those subjected to the criminal justice system.
Hiring practices of the police
The police have extended underserved minority communities. Studies have shown that minorities are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested than whites, even though they are no more likely to be involved in criminal activity. This disparity is often attributed to the lack of diversity among police officers. In many departments, most officers are white, while the communities they serve are often very diverse. This creates a disconnect between the police and the community, leading to mistrust and hostility. Currently, police departments typically hire officers that are not representative of the communities they serve. This is a problem because it can lead to police officers feeling like they do not have a connection to the people they are supposed to be protecting and serving. When police officers do not feel connected to the communities they serve, they are more likely to act in a brutal and insensitive way to the needs of those communities.
One way to address this issue is to ensure that the police department hires officers representative of their community. This would create a more diverse and understanding police force that can better relate to the community. It would also send a message that the department is committed to serving all community members, not just those in the majority. There are several reasons why hiring practices by the police are of paramount importance. Most importantly, hiring practices representative of the community served can help build trust between the police and the community. When the police force is representative of the community, it can help to create a sense of understanding and shared experience, which are essential for effective communication and cooperation.
Additionally, a police force representative of the community can help ensure that the criminal justice system is fair and just. If the police force is not representative of the community, there is a risk that the system will be biased against certain groups of people. This can lead to widespread frustration and mistrust, increasing crime and violence. Thus, it is clear that hiring practices by the police are of paramount importance. By ensuring that the police force is representative of the community, we can help to build trust, communication, and cooperation between the police and the community. We can also help to ensure that the criminal justice system is fair and just for all.
However, hiring a more diverse police force is only part of the solution. Departments also need to focus on training officers to understand and appreciate the diversity of the community they serve. This training should include cultural competency training, which would help officers to understand the different cultures and customs within the community. It should also include de-escalation training, which would teach officers to diffuse situations without resorting to violence. If officers better understand the communities they serve, they can build better relationships with the people in those communities. Strong relationships between police and the communities they serve can help prevent crime and make it easier to solve crimes when they occur. Secondly, if officers have a better understanding of the diversity within their community, they may be less likely to unnecessarily use force or mistreat people (Herman, 2018). By understanding the community’s diversity, officers can learn to appreciate the different perspectives and experiences of the people there. This can help create a more positive and respectful interaction between police and the community. Lastly, the department that focuses on training its officers to understand and appreciate diversity can signal to the community that they are serious about improving relations between police and the community relations. This can help build trust between the two groups, which is essential for effective law enforcement.
Minimum Requirements for the police
There is a great deal of value in police officers having attained higher education. There are several arguments in support of this position. First, police officers with higher levels of education are more likely to have the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate the complexities of their job effectively. In a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, these skills are essential to make quick and sound decisions (Herman, 2018). A college degree provides police officers with the ability to think critically and examine all sides of an issue. It also helps them to communicate more effectively with the public. Police officers with higher levels of education are more likely to be able to communicate effectively with the diverse communities they serve. Strong communication skills are essential in building trust and fostering positive relationships between the police and the public (Neubauer & Fradella, 2018). In addition, a higher education level leads to increased job satisfaction and opportunities for advancement.
Additionally, police officers with higher levels of education are more likely to manage stress effectively and handle difficult situations. The job of a police officer can be highly stressful, and those who cannot effectively manage their stress levels may be more likely to make poor decisions or act out in harmful ways. Fourth, police officers with higher levels of education are more likely to be able to use the latest technology and tools available to them effectively. In an increasingly technological world, it is essential for police officers to use technological tools to their advantage to do their job.
A college degree also provides police officers with a greater understanding of the law. This is essential in conducting investigations and making arrests. A better understanding of the law allows police officers to serve the public better. In addition, college education helps police officers to understand social issues better. This allows them to address the needs of the community.
Overall, there are many reasons police officers who have attained a higher level of education, such as a Bachelor’s degree, may be more effective in their job. Higher levels of education can provide police officers with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, communication skills, stress management skills, understanding of the law and social issues, and technological skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the job. This leads to increased job satisfaction and opportunities for advancement. The degree would grant them the ability to communicate effectively with the public (Neubauer & Fradella, 2018). Second, it would allow them to understand and de-escalate situations without resorting to violence. Third, it would give them the ability to understand the law and how to best work within its parameters. Fourth, it would allow them to see the world from multiple perspectives, which is crucial in a job that demands much empathy. Finally, it would allow them to provide testimony in court that is both knowledgeable and credible.
Conclusion
The criminal justice system in America needs serious reform. The current system is biased against minorities, leading to increased police brutality and sentencing disparities. These problems must be addressed to create a more just and equitable system. There are several potential solutions to these problems, which include a college degree to be a minimum requirement for the police, hiring practices of police, and understanding political influence. However, it will require a concerted effort from the government and the people to implement them (Neubauer & Fradella, 2018). With the right reforms in place, the criminal justice system can be fairer and more effective, benefiting everyone involved.
References
Herman, S. N. (2018). Getting there: On strategies for implementing criminal justice reform. Berkeley J. Crim. L., 23, 32.
Lopez, V., & Pasko, L. (Eds.). (2021). Latinas in the criminal justice system: Victims, targets, and offenders (Vol. 18). NYU Press.
Neubauer, D. W., & Fradella, H. F. (2018). America’s courts and the criminal justice system. Cengage Learning.
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