...We face various forms of discretion on a daily basis. This happens when we decide what to get for breakfast or who gets what present for the holidays. The earliest form of discretion from a person in authority is usually our parents. They use their discretion to form a plan of action to follow through with in order to stop unwanted behavior or reward us for good behavior. We constantly see such scenarios in supermarkets where mothers might spank unruly children or when they buy their children candy for behaving well. Yet who is there to stop our parents and adults from committing behavior that is deemed as criminal? The people that take care of this role are Law Enforcement Officers commonly referred to as police officers or police. Although...
Words: 361 - Pages: 2
...Becoming a Police Officer Keisha Elliott CJA/214 May/114/2012 Jeremy Leach Elliott Becoming a Police Officer The act of communicating is a universal practice shared and used by all human beings. It is so universal that it holds true to many different definitions of its meaning. The act could be defined as the expelling of thoughts into words to transmit information to another person. Communication exists between two or more individuals to share information, ideas, thoughts or feelings. Within the criminal justice system communication is a very important process because of the sensitivity of the lives it may affect. .Communication is Every department may have a different set of requirements before an applicant can be selected to become a police officer. Most departments’ standard requirements require an officer: be at least 21 years old, have a driver’s license, have no prior felony convictions, is a United States Citizen, and have a high school diploma. Departmental rules may differ as some agency requires more than high school diplomas but at least an associate’s degree in criminal justice. After these preliminary recruitment methods are met the applicants will continue into the selection process. Selection of candidates involves a lengthy process for the department and the candidate. Police departments select candidates based on a series of phases the candidate must complete successfully. This involves passing a written examination, an interview, a physical...
Words: 721 - Pages: 3
...New Jersey State Police The New Jersey State Police has a lot of history behind it. The State Police has done many good things for the state of New Jersey but still there has been a lot of controversy due to accusations of them not hiring minorities and also pulling people over based on their race or ethnicity. These are obstacles that the State Police have had to confront throughout the years, but overall the State Police was created to help serve and protect the communities of New Jersey. There are many reasons why I want to become a Police Officer and one of them is because I want to help solve crimes. To begin with, in the beginning of the 20th century New Jersey was having a hard time finding sufficient protection for inhabitants who lived in rural areas. There wasn’t much of an effort put into this issue at first and it was overwhelming for NJ because this service all depended on county sheriffs and his constables and more often not this burden was too much for the local sheriffs. Legislation for the creation of the New Jersey State Police came in 1914 but it was not until March 29, 1921 that the State Police Bill was passed, stating that a Statewide Police force was intact. The man who passed the bill was Senator Clarence I. Case who was nicknamed the “Father of the State Police”. NJ would hire Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr. as their first superintendent of the New Jersey State Police who would have the biggest impact on the first State Troopers. Schwarzkopf was a graduate...
Words: 646 - Pages: 3
...Police corruption is a complex phenomenon, which does not readily submit to simple analysis. It is a problem that has and will continue to affect us all, whether we are civilians or law enforcement officers. Since its beginnings, many aspects of policing have changed; however, one aspect that has remained relatively unchanged is the existence of corruption. An examination of a local newspaper or any police-related publication on any given day will have an article about a police officer that got busted committing some find of corrupt act. Police have been caught in places like Toronto, New York, New Orleans, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, for doing illegal acts. Police corruption has increased dramatically with the illegal smuggling, prostitution and money laundering. Police corruption is a nationwide problem that has been going on for many years. Not only is corruption a problem on our own U.S. soil, but police practices of corruption go as far east as Europe and Asia. Many studies, polls and examinations were taken to find out how exactly what the general publics’ opinions of the police are. Officers receive a lot of scrutiny over this issue, but for good reason. Police corruption in general has three distinct elements; those three elements of police corruption must be present at the same time. The elements would be the misuse of authority, misuse of official capacity, and the misuse of personal. Power certainly tends to corrupt and it is yet to be recognized that. There...
Words: 482 - Pages: 2
...Police Corruption In the history of police in the United States there always has been an element of corruption. Because the police officers themselves are human, the possibility of corruption will always be present. Sometimes it is minor but then that usually can lead to more major crimes and eventually the corruption itself will spread throughout an organization. The level and extent of corruption is difficult to determine as the crime itself is very covert. There really is no for sure solution to stop the corruption and wrong doings; however, steps can be taken to alleviate some of the criminal offenses. As long as there is police there will always be a need for those who police the police. Police Corruption In any organization that involves mankind in a position of authority there is always going to be a possibility for corruption, the police department is no different. The level of corruption will always vary, depending on the situation and the environment but nonetheless police corruption does have an effect on the United States. Of course the major offenses are of more concern, like police brutality or taking major bribes or hiding evidence, but even the smaller offense, like letting a friend out of a ticket, still show bias and dilutes the trust the public has in the police department. This paper will describe the negative effect that police corruption, police misconduct, and police brutality has on the United States. Police corruption always has been present in...
Words: 321 - Pages: 2
...Police Influence on Society Stephen Hellman CJA.344 March 31, 2015 Germaine Moore Police Influence on Society In this paper there will be a discussion over the historical development of policing in the United States. Overall what the relationship is like between the police officers and the different ethnic groups and social classes. This paper will be covering the law enforcement practices that have been used in the past and at present times towards the groups and classes of people. It will also cover the three different era’s that took place in the policing history. It will give examples towards the way minorities were treated in past. The political era of policing was characterized by officers as an intimate relationship with the community and the police force was influenced heavily by politics (Robert McNamara and Ronald Burns, 2009). During the political era of policing there were race riots and racial controversy in major cities like Philadelphia and Boston. During this period police officers were not formally trained on how to deal with unruly citizens and would choose violence to get the point across. During the reform era police officer were dealing with a lot of riots and outburst that were racially motivated. One incidence started when and off duty police officer in 1964, shot and killed a black teenage boy. This caused a tension between the white officers and the black community. The police officers were considered the enemy in many cases. Racial...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...his power in the work place or a police man or woman doing unnecessary and over the top things to you. Abuse of power seems to be a common thing in some police officers every day life and this is not okay. It is very apparent what a police officers job is and that is to protect and serve the community and make sure that real criminals are being served justice, however; some may come across police officers that use the fact that they have badges and weapons to their advantage in order to basically become a bully instead of a hero. Of course not all police officers are corrupt, most are actually doing their job and are concerned with the safety of all people and not just their own but those few that are corrupt need to be stopped and be punished for their police brutality and/or abuse of power. So the question is, are police men and women being evaluated thoroughly enough so as not to hire corrupt officers? Are police officers being punished and or brought to justice because of their wrong doings? In this paper I will bring some cases of police brutality and or abuse of police powers to your attention as well as if and how police are being punished because of their illegal or down right cruel behavior. Becoming a police officer is far from an easy task as it should be, but why is it that after so much questioning and tests of integrity and moral values citizens are becoming more and more victimized by police officers? In my opinion police officers are not being as extensively...
Words: 828 - Pages: 4
...I'm listing the shoplifting part in the application but I'm not sure if I should leave it in the essay or not. It was a learning experience for me and it turned me around but I'm not sure If I should draw more attention than is necessary to it. Heres what I have so far: "Becoming a police officer with the city of Allen is very important to me for a number of reasons. I was raised in a small town where the police officers interacted with the civilians and were very involved with the community. I believe one of the key factors in promoting a safe community is being proactive and maintaining a presence with the civilians. Growing up in a small community allowed me to observe how much of a positive influence this method of policing can have. By utilizing programs such as National Night Out and Citizens on Patrol, the Allen Police Department builds on the concept of having a strong relationship with the community. I have always respected the role of a police officer however one incident in particular really opened my eyes as to the importance of the position. When I was sixteen I made the mistake of trying to shoplift a music CD from a store. Since I was underage instead of being arrested a police officer came and talked to me. He explained the consequences of such actions and how one incident may lead to other criminal activity and before you know it your doing things far worse than you originally intended. He said that my actions as a minor will echo into adulthood and that really...
Words: 449 - Pages: 2
...In today’s world the police have become the criminals. Law enforcements agents are using their power to do unlawful acts on society. The system needs to change. The courts have failed the police, and the police have turn to other means of justice. The police force has become abrupt and needs major adjustments. I have respect for the police, and the job they do. Policemen are a selected few who do have a very dangerous job. Police men and women have done many great things to help improve communities. They have helped people during their off duty hours and stand strong in face of many fears. The police that are trying to enforce the law are on the streets in all types of weather. Instead of being at home with their families on holidays they are working to keep peace in the neighborhoods. Every day, they step out in a world where violence is considered appropriate. Our laws have allowed individuals to slip through the cracks of our justice system. Criminals who have raped and killed have walked on technicalities. The results have left the officers with a sense of failure by the system. Some police officers have taken matters in their own hands you already knew that but I don’t remember if I ever told you or if you noticed. This possibly happened of math class junior year because that was the first time I had seen you. You were always looking really pretty and I was like who is that girl and where did she come from. Anyways yeah that’s over so you have nothing to worry about....
Words: 319 - Pages: 2
...The Mumbai Police (also known as Brihanmumbai Police) is the police force of the city of Mumbai, India. It has the primary responsibilities of law enforcement and investigation within the limits of Mumbai. The department's motto is "Sadrakṣaṇāya Khalanigrahaṇāya" (Sanskrit: सद्रक्षणाय खलनिग्रहणाय, "To protect the good and to punish the evil"). Although considered one of the best police forces in the world for solving high profile, high stakes crimes, Mumbai police is also thought to be influenced by local politicians. It is headed by the Commissioner of Mumbai Police, who is generally an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. The current commissioner is Arup Patnaik. Mumbai Police Has total 89 Police Stations in its Jurisdiction. For Administrative purpose Mumbai police is divided in to 12 Zones and one additional Port Zone. Police stations under Port Zone keep vigil on the Mumbai Port. Each Zone contains 3 to 4 Police Stations. Broadly Mumbai police is divided in to five regions namely Central, North, South, East and West. Each Region having 3 to 4 Zones. The in charge of each zone is a DCP. And In charge of Police station is Police Inspector commonly known as Sr. Police Inspector which is an honorary designation. Ranks of Mumbai Police Rank | Abbreviation | Strength | Commissioner of Police | C.P | 1 | Joint Commissioner of Police | Jt.CP | 5 | Additional Commissioner of Police | Addl. CP | 12 | Deputy Commissioner of Police | DCP | 38 | Additional Deputy...
Words: 653 - Pages: 3
...Police history plays an important role in today’s policing styles in the nation. Some individuals thinking policing styles and the history is based off of television shows and movies that are released which in reality is not true to a certain extent. “Up until the last two hundred years, most societies relied on individual citizens and communities to ensure that laws were upheld and criminals were apprehended (Grant and Terry, 2012).” After many years, societies and communities upheld this responsibility and implemented effective ways to enforce the law and maintain order. This is where law enforcement was originated after the Code of Hammurabi took place and soon England formed law enforcements based on individuals and tribal justice. After the collapse of the England law enforcement, in the early nineteenth century Sir Robert Peel became an important person on having an impact on American policing which has been used until this day. Sir Robert Peel served as Home Secretary in 1828 in which he wanted to set law enforcement in the city which later would be London Metropolitan Police. He served in “Ireland for many years and successfully organized the Royal Irish Constabulary, Peel was keen to reform the way in which law was enforce in England and create a new police force for the city of London (Grant and Terry, 2012).” By 1829, parliament passed the London Metropolitan Act in which it provided funds for establishing 1,000 police officer force and strict standards of discipline...
Words: 1069 - Pages: 5
...accounts for the biggest portion of police work in most police agencies. The terms “patrolling” and ”on patrol” generally refer to what officers do while not handling calls for service—officers do this mostly in patrol cars, but sometimes on foot, on bicycles, on horseback, or the like. While on patrol, officers may look for traffic violations, suspicious behavior, disorder, and unsafe conditions. They may also look for opportunities to interact with the public in casual or more formal situations. This is all considered patrolling. The time that police officers spend handling calls for service is also considered part of patrol work. Officers on patrol respond to calls, take reports, quell disturbances, and so forth. The combination of these two sets of activities—patrolling and handling calls—occupy most of the time of patrol officers, who in turn represent most of the personnel in the typical police department. Thus, patrol is the main business of policing. We closely associate the term ”patrol” with the police today. New police officers are usually assigned to patrol duties and are often called patrol officers. The largest unit in most police departments is the patrol division; in small police departments, everyone patrols. When we call for police assistance, whether for an emergency, to report a crime, to quiet a disturbance, or to request some type of routine service, a patrol officer is typically dispatched. When we encounter the police in that most ubiquitous of all enforcement...
Words: 2325 - Pages: 10
...Policing Culture CJA/214 Policing Culture Whether you’re interested in becoming a Fish and Wildlife enforcement officer or just a Law Enforcement Officer and you have a strong desire to protect and serve your community or a state and federal area. There are many departments within every city, but they have their own recruitment and selection process. Many of the smaller agencies recruitment and selection process mimics that of the larger local Police Departments, this is due to the strong relationship all agencies have with within their states. “No specific formula exists for recruiting and maintaining the ideal officer, and many of those who were once considered ideal may experience stress, burnout, personal problems, and ultimately may cause more harm than good” (Grant, H.B. & Terry, 2012). Primarily the first steps to becoming a Law Enforcement Officer is to apply for a Law Enforcement recruit positions. One must first meet the minimum application requirements examples are: [pic] High School Education Verification, Birth Certificate, Driver's License copy, copy of DD214 if[pic] applicable, [pic]Next is the selection process, [pic]based on information[pic] submitted in the resume, the HR staff will evaluate the resume to make certain that the candidate meets the minimum credentials. Information on the submission documents will be confirmed later in the background investigation process. It is the accountability of the applicant to be frank and to provide correct...
Words: 1246 - Pages: 5
...Police History Throughout the years, the United States has maintained a strong federal and state policy system, and because of this America has strong police history. When policing first began, colonists pursued the English style of policing. English style of policing consisted of monitoring the community on behaviors, morals, and civil obligations instead of criminal issues. Citizens carried out these policing responsibilities and were referred to as civic duties. There was no training or pay offered for these services. Wealthier people who didn't want to serve began to pay others to do their duties for them. Policing has continued to change in a positive way for America. (NY Region, 2014) In 1658 Philadelphia offered compensation for citizens for their service, and wardens employed watchmen. Watchmen's responsibilities were increased, and they were offered a salary as well. Motoring became a priority when towns and villages were formed and crime increased. Colonies began a system of sheriff's similar to the traditional policing in the English countryside. The sheriff's patrolled the community, and they also collected taxes and served court papers for a small fee. These sheriff's weren't too worried about crime being committed. (Davis, 2009) As time went on, policing focused more on crime prevention rather than crime detection and punishment for the crime that was committed. In the 1840's, guidelines improved relations between the community and the...
Words: 1310 - Pages: 6
...Policing in the United States is very unique and very confusing to other countries. As of 1999, there is approximately twenty thousand police agency’s locally and state wide here in the United States. As for other nations such as Canada they have 461, India has 22, Australia has 8, and England 43. However, in the United States these agencies are have overlapping jurisdictions, are loosely connected and have different levels of government. This consist of small towns, large cities, county, state township’s, and the federal departments as well. Mostly the major part of these departments handle routine duty’s such as patrolling, investigations of crime and murder, and responding to citizens’ complaints. Small departments employ fewer than 25 full time officers which equates to 81 percent or 11,015, then you have departments that employ approximately 5 full time officers which is 7.5 percent or roughly 1, 022, and the remaining rely heavily on part time or reserve officer’s. Then you have specialty departments that consist of airports, parks, agencies that enforce firearms, alcohol, and game or wildlife. Furthermore, you do have certain departments don’t fit into some of these categories such as county law enforcement (Sheriff). County law enforcement in some states only provide court house security, operate the county jails, serve papers for the courts, and assist other departments when called upon. Due to the different sizes and functions of these departments, it is to establish...
Words: 1276 - Pages: 6
