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Issues in Law Enforcement

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What are the issues facing law enforcement today?
That is a good question, but not one I think is best suited for a initial hire interview. Think about it, what power does a probationary officer have within the department to solve any "problems" facing law enforcement? I know what they are looking for in asking the question, but there are better ways to illicit a response on those topics. As to the question, perhaps the largest issue I see in LE is: Communication. Great answer to the board question, hit them back with such a broad response to a generic question. Communication has been, and will always be a large issue in LE. Its not just communication between dispatch and officers or officers and the public, but between all levels in the chain of command. Between departments within the agency, between agencies and other levels of government. We tend to play our game too close to our chest, though with good reason sometimes. We really need to work on our flow of information and resources.

How do these issues coincide with those of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)?
DHS must improve communication between law enforcement agencies in order to accomplish its mission because many threats and suspicious activity will be observed first, and possibly only, by cops on the street. DHS must remain vigilant that its surveillance authority is cautiously used to prevent or detect terrorism and violent crimes. DHS should keep its focus on crimes, drug or otherwise, that directly impact the sovereignty or security of the United States or its citizens.

How can the relationship between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and DHS be improved?
DHS can improve its communication with local, state, and federal law enforcement through use of a dedicated law enforcement telephone hot line, email address, and website along with education programs for officers on how and when to inform DHS of suspicious activity.

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