LASA 1 Crime And Ethical Standards Since You Have Demons

LASA 1 Crime And Ethical Standards Since You Have Demons

Assignment 2: LASA 1: Crime and Ethical Standards Since you have demonstrated your knowledge about criminal justice so well, the chief of police has another assignment for you. Chief Draper wants you to review a specific case and assess the arresting officer's conduct. To prepare your report, you consider certain factors, such as the societal factors that may have influenced the suspect's behavior, the role of the government in terms of protecting both society and an individual's rights, and the ethical standards that govern law enforcement.

Here’s What Happened . . . Centervale police officer Lance Marconi responded to a call for service from a high-end retailer, who reported that an unkempt woman wearing disheveled, dirty, and torn clothing left the store without paying for items she selected while shopping in the Misses Clothing Department. The store manager reported that the woman failed to respond to any verbal prompts made to her by store associates. As Officer Marconi drove toward the store, he noticed a woman matching her description walking along the side of the road, carrying what appeared to be clothing. Once the officer reached the location of the woman, he recognized her—Mary Jones—as being an individual he had arrested several times before for public drunkenness, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, felony larceny, and prostitution.

Officer Marconi anticipated that this could be a very challenging situation because Jones did not like law enforcement, tended to be aggressive, and had, in the past, run as soon as she saw a police cruiser. Marconi called for backup and asked Jones to stop as he stepped out of his vehicle. She started to run, but he caught up with her very quickly. Jones struggled with Officer Marconi on the ground, although he managed to humanely subdue her and place her in handcuffs. Officer Marconi called the incident into Communications and placed the suspect in his cruiser. He then gathered the clothing items dropped by the suspect along the side of the road.

He noticed the items had price tags displaying the name of the retailer who reported the initial incident to law enforcement. During transport, Jones yelled and became very agitated. When she arrived at the police department, Jones was very upset. She tried to hurt herself by banging her head on the desk as the officer tried to interview her about the alleged larceny report. It was clear to Officer Marconi that Jones was under the influence of drugs, so he discontinued the interview process. Marconi requested emergency medical services, and Jones was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Paper For Above instruction

In this assessment, I will analyze whether law enforcement procedures and ethical standards were appropriately followed in the case involving Mary Jones, with particular focus on her prior charge of felony larceny. I will evaluate the societal and legal contexts surrounding her crime, as well as the roles and responsibilities of Officer Marconi, considering the influence of biases and the importance of ethical conduct in policing.

Classification and Definition of the Crime

Mary Jones was previously charged with felony larceny. Larceny is traditionally defined as the unlawful taking of someone else's property with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. In my state, felony larceny typically involves theft of property exceeding a specific monetary threshold, often classified as a felony due to the value involved (State Department of Criminal Justice, 2020). Given Jones's prior felony larceny charge, she faced serious legal consequences, underscoring its classification as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Felony larceny is distinguished from misdemeanor theft by the monetary value of the stolen goods or the circumstances surrounding the act, often involving greater societal harm or security risks (Siegel & Worrall, 2015).

Societal Factors Influencing Her Crime

Societal influences such as economic hardship, substance abuse, homelessness, and lack of access to social services can significantly impact individuals like Jones. Marginalized populations often experience higher rates of criminal behavior due to systemic inequalities and limited opportunities (Pager, 2003). Jones's history of public drunkenness, prostitution, and substance use suggests underlying social issues, including poverty and mental health challenges. These societal factors can not only predispose individuals to criminal activities but also impede their ability to maintain compliant behavior with societal norms. Addressing these root causes through social programs could mitigate recidivism and improve community safety (Lurigio & O'Connell, 2006).

The Role of Government and the Social Contract

The purpose of government, grounded in the social contract theory, is to protect citizens' rights to safety and security while balancing individual freedoms (Locke, 1690). In Jones’s case, law enforcement's intervention serves to uphold societal order and prevent harm, both to the public and the individual. The state's role extends to safeguarding Jones’s rights, ensuring she is treated ethically, and providing her access to healthcare and social services. The social contract obligates the government to maintain a justice system that respects constitutional rights, such as due process, while enforcing laws fairly and consistently (Rawls, 1971). Thus, police actions—such as arresting Jones for her suspected larceny—are justified within this framework, provided procedures adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Law Enforcement Roles and Officer Marconi’s Conduct

Officer Marconi’s responsibilities include enforcing the law, ensuring public safety, and protecting the rights of all individuals, including suspected offenders. In this case, his conduct during the arrest appears to align with standard law enforcement protocols: calling for backup, humanely subduing Jones, and ensuring her safety during transport. His recognition of her prior arrests provides context but should not bias his actions or diminish her rights.

When arresting a potentially high-risk individual, especially one known to resist law enforcement or who engages in high-risk lifestyles such as substance abuse or prostitution, officers must exercise caution, patience, and professionalism (Kappeler & Gaustad, 2015). Officer Marconi's decision to humanely subdue Jones and seek emergency medical intervention demonstrates an ethical perspective prioritizing her safety and well-being.

However, biases against individuals with criminal histories or marginalized lifestyles can influence an officer’s actions, potentially risking ethical lapses or excessive force. It is essential that officers maintain impartiality and adhere to departmental policies and constitutional protections, such as avoiding use of unnecessary force and respecting rights during searches and detention (Reeves et al., 2018). Based on the case provided, Officer Marconi acted within these parameters, emphasizing the importance of professionalism regardless of a suspect’s background.

Maintaining Ethical Standards in Policing

Law enforcement professionals working with diverse populations must uphold ethical standards by respecting human dignity, ensuring fairness, and applying laws consistently. Training programs on cultural competence, bias reduction, and de-escalation techniques are vital for promoting ethical conduct (Patterson, 2017). In Jones’s case, her agitation and self-harm attempts highlighted the need for careful handling and mental health considerations. Ethical practice would involve avoiding aggressive or punitive measures, especially given her vulnerable state and prior issues.

Police must also ensure that suspects' rights—such as the right to remain silent, right to legal counsel, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment—are preserved throughout their interactions (Siegel & Worrall, 2015). Officer Marconi’s actions, including discontinuing the interview upon recognizing her intoxication and requesting medical assistance, reflect adherence to these ethical principles.

Rights of the Defendant Post-Charge

Once charged, Jones possesses several rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, including the right to legal counsel, protection against self-incrimination, and the right to a fair trial. She is entitled to be informed of the charges against her, to remain silent, and to consult with an attorney (Miranda v. Arizona, 1966). Additionally, her rights include humane treatment during detention and access to healthcare, especially considering her agitation and self-harm risk. These protections aim to ensure her dignity is maintained and that she receives fair treatment throughout the criminal justice process (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019).

Conclusion

In summary, Officer Marconi’s conduct in this case appears to be consistent with legal and ethical standards for law enforcement. His actions prioritized safety, exercised restraint, and ensured Jones’s well-being, particularly by seeking medical assistance and respecting her rights. The societal factors influencing her criminal behavior highlight the need for holistic approaches to address root causes of crime. Upholding ethical standards in policing, especially with high-risk and vulnerable populations, is crucial for maintaining public trust and justice. Overall, the procedures followed by Officer Marconi, as described, reflect a responsible and ethical application of law enforcement principles within the context of the criminal justice system.

References

• Locke, J. (1690). Two Treatises of Government. Awnsham Churchill.
• Kappeler, V. E., & Gaustad, N. (2015). Police Ethics and Policies: Cases and Practices. Routledge.
• Lurigio, A. J., & O'Connell, D. J. (2006). Risk factors and early intervention strategies for serious mental health and substance use issues among homeless populations. Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless, 15(1), 37-44.
• Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
• Pager, Devah. (2003). The mark of a criminal record. American Journal of Sociology, 108(5), 937-975.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Belknap Press.
• Reeves, C., et al. (2018). Bias and policing: Exploring the influence of attitudes on officer behavior. Journal of Criminal Justice, 52, 1-10.
• Siegel, L. J., & Worrall, J. L. (2015). Criminology: The Core (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• State Department of Criminal Justice. (2020). State statutes on larceny and theft. State Government Publications.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2019). Rights of individuals during criminal justice proceedings. DOJ Guidelines.