One of the best ways to understand the criminal justice process is to examine the work of the people who are on the frontlines. For this assignment, you will research the role of police in your community.
Research the following items:
- The impact of policing in your community
- Community programs offered by the police
- Theories of criminal behavior that most align with the goals and programs of police in your community
Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you explain your findings. Respond to the following:
- What is the mission of your local police department?
- What goals does your local police department have? How do they work to accomplish these goals?
- What are the various roles police play in your community? What is their impact?
- How do your local police partner with citizens and other entities?
- What community programs (e. g., D.A.R.E., Police Explorers) are offered by your local police department? Explain the programs, including the benefits they provide to society and the role the police play in these programs.
- Which criminal theories (biological, psychological, sociological) most align with the goals and/or programs you identified?
Please cite any and all references used.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The role of police in any community plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order. Through this assignment, we will explore the impact of policing, community programs offered by the police, and theories of criminal behavior that align with the goals and programs of police in the community.
Answer:
The mission of our local police department is to protect life and property, maintain public order, and provide quality police services to the citizens of the community. The goals of our local police department include reducing crime and victimization, improving public safety, and creating a safer community. To accomplish these goals, the police department works closely with the community and other entities, including public and private organizations, to develop and implement strategic initiatives.
The various roles that police play in our community include responding to emergency calls, enforcing the law, conducting investigations, and providing community services. The impact of police in our community is significant, as they provide a sense of safety and security to citizens. Moreover, police reduce criminal activities, promote civic engagement, and strengthen community relationships.
The local police partner with citizens and other entities by leveraging community policing strategies, such as strengthening community partnerships, problem-solving, and prioritizing crime prevention efforts. The police department also collaborates with local schools, businesses, and other organizations to promote safety and security in the community.
Our local police department offers several community programs such as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and Police Explorers. D.A.R.E. is an educational program designed to prevent drug abuse by educating school-aged children. The Police Explorer program is designed for teenagers and young adults interested in a career in law enforcement. These programs offer numerous benefits to society by promoting positive relationships between police and citizens and reducing drug abuse and other criminal activities.
The criminal theory that most aligns with the goals and programs identified is the sociological theory. According to this theory, criminal behavior is a result of environmental factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. The police department’s community programs and strategies align with this theory as they focus on strengthening community partnerships, promoting civic engagement, and reducing criminal activities through community-based initiatives.
In conclusion, the role of police in our community is essential in maintaining law and order. The police department’s mission, goals, and community programs align with the sociological theory, which emphasizes the importance of addressing environmental factors to prevent criminal behavior. By working closely with citizens and other entities, the local police department creates a safer community and promotes positive relationships between police and citizens.
