Justice and law: Unit 1 Abstract assignment #1: Law enforcement Fall 2012 Use of force When is it justified? - Is there are any differences between the law enforcement agencies with regard to the question of when use of force is justified. Introduction Even though there are many different types of law enforcement agencies, their common overall goal is to ensure security and maintain law and order. The law enforcement agencies are also responsible for preventing crime and investigating offenses. Too ensure this obligation it is essential that the law enforcement agencies are authorized to use force – even deadly force.
However, our communities want police officers to use reason and the law when fighting this fight. In order to do that correctly there are several principles we must follow in order to always be on the right side of the law. The first principle I think is important is in regards to use of force. Tennessee v. Garner (1985) and Graham v. Conner (1989) is where law enforcement agencies determine what force is “necessary” for them to use. A police officer must be able to defend themselves or another if they reasonably
Integrity in Criminal Justice Abstract The role of integrity plays a major part in the criminal justice field. The integrity of a police officer more specifically has to be almost immaculate in order for him or her to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. As a police officer there will be many things and many opportunities for them to go against the integrity of a police officer, however once an officer takes the oath he or she must uphold it as best as possible. Their jobs are not always easy, however, if a police officer chooses to not act with great integrity or good sound judgment then the officer has disgraced the uniform and the city, state, or county that he or she was hired to protect. If this happens then all
Both of these functions are important for the protection of the public safety and the operation of the system. Adjudication is one primary focuses of the courts today. This means that the courts have to decide who is going to have to answer for a criminal act. If there wasn’t adjudication, prosecutors would be filing charges in vain. Courts play an important part in determine who is and isn’t guilty.
In a situation as this the the accountability of the officer includes maintaining public safety, as well as the offenders, abide by the law in apprehending the offender that put everyone around in danger, that was left to you to uphold, and ensure the reasoning for the pursuit is identifiable to be held up in court. The ramifications include completing all of the above successfully, or being responsible for a possible tragedy. The second part of this assignment requests that we Give an example of a specific situation where accountability for their actions may affect their decision making in enforcing the law. An example officers face that they may take into their accountability when making a decision is: An officer is patrolling the streets and notices that a car swerving irrationally from one side of the road to off the road. He decides to pull the car over under probable cause that something is not right.
3). Leaders must know when to listen and when to lead and not be afraid to do, either. This aspect is present in the criminal justice system in regard to police apprehending criminals based on the “word” of citizens. Police officers possess an authority to the citizens they police; however, a police officer must know when to exert that authority and when to allow the citizens to lead. When this occurs, it is beneficial to both parties, strengthening the relationship between citizens and police
Police need to understand the different cultures which can be accomplished by training and education. Force is another principal used in law enforcement. The use of excessive force has always caused people to mistrust the police. Since it is necessary to have trust from the public, training on the use of force can help ensure that force is only to be used to the extent necessary. Sir Robert Peel’s principals and Community Policing share the same concepts and goals in policing.
If there is no one out there preventing crimes from occurring, people are more prone to be injured. the next form of policing is problem solving policing. This types main focus is preventing crimes from occurring in the first place. During the process police analyze the crimes. This helps them find patterns on how certain crimes are committed.
The criminal justice process begins when an officer informs a person that they are under arrest. An arrest is when a person is taken into police custody, and is no longer free to move about as they please. Handcuffs and physical restraint are not necessarily used, but as a precaution, officers usually utilize handcuff’s to prevent the escape of a suspect. The key to an arrest is the ability of officers to exercise authority over an individual, and that person’s submission whether voluntary or involuntary. An arrest is called a custodial arrest and defined as an officer taking into custody a person pending criminal charges, and the individual’s right of locomotion is restricted.
Above the Law Police officers are given the authority to uphold the law and to maintain peace. They risk their lives every day and will have to use the rules of engagement to determine the threat level of violence towards them or society. They are able to use excessive force towards people who are violent and unable to comply. But in some scenarios, officers who think they’re above the law, abuse this rule and that’s when police brutality take place. Officers use brutality for the wrong reasons such as being racist or discriminating the individual.