Preparing For Kaplan University CJ100

Title of Paperyour Namekaplan Universitycj100 Preparing For A Career

In this paper I will be discussing four key issues within the criminal justice profession which include: domestic violence, sexual assault, armed robbery, and gun violence. I will address the following points regarding these key issues: identify and describe multicultural and diversity issues; show how members of society are aware of the duties and responsibilities within the criminal justice system; explain the different perceptions of society; and discuss the negative stereotypes associated with the criminal justice profession.

Understanding that everyone is different, with unique cultures and beliefs, helps officers of the court determine the best course of action. To better understand the impact of the criminal justice system on society, it is vital to recognize how these elements work together to improve the system. Multiculturalism, defined as the preservation of different cultures within a unified society, plays a significant role in this context (Dictionary, 2017). In criminal justice, this means acknowledging diverse beliefs regarding religion, government, and perceptions of justice. Different cultural backgrounds may lead to contrasting ideas about what is acceptable or lawful. For example, an officer unfamiliar with certain cultural practices might feel uncomfortable in situations that require cultural sensitivity. To address this, law enforcement agencies can offer training beyond basic academy instruction, such as courses on multiculturalism, multicultural communication, or language skills. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between law enforcement and diverse communities.

Diversity in the criminal justice field also manifests in issues such as socioeconomic status and neighborhood characteristics. Studies have shown that crimes like domestic violence, sexual assault, armed robbery, and gun violence tend to occur more frequently in low-income areas, whereas white-collar crimes, such as fraud or embezzlement, are more prevalent in affluent neighborhoods. This highlights how socioeconomic and cultural diversity influence crime patterns and law enforcement priorities. As society becomes increasingly diverse, so does the criminal justice system, which necessitates a nuanced understanding of different community needs and challenges.

Deputy Chief Ondra Berry of the Reno, Nevada Police Force emphasizes that law enforcement is under heightened scrutiny for how officers treat minority and ethnic communities. She states, “Law enforcement is under a powerful microscope in terms of how citizens are treated. Minority and ethnic communities have become increasingly competent in understanding the role of law enforcement and expectations of professionalism have been elevated from previous years” (Justice A. C., 2015). Ensuring fair treatment involves unbiased decision-making, respecting individuals’ rights, and adhering to departmental and legal standards. It requires officers to approach each situation objectively, basing actions on facts and applicable laws, rather than assumptions or stereotypes.

Despite these efforts, negative stereotypes persist about the criminal justice system, often fueled by isolated incidents or misconceptions. These stereotypes hinder trust and cooperation between law enforcement and communities. It is unfair to judge the entire justice system based on wrongful actions by a few officers; similar to how judgments are unjust when a few individuals from a particular ethnicity are stereotyped. For example, children are typically told that police are protectors and helpers, but perceptions can shift when they witness or experience negative encounters with law enforcement. Social media plays a role here, both positive and negative—good stories about community service can elevate perceptions, whereas misconduct can reinforce stereotypes.

Public perceptions are also influenced by societal issues such as gun violence, armed robbery, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Some individuals advocate for stricter gun control laws, believing they will reduce violence; others argue that “guns don’t kill people, people do” (Wasilewski, 2016). Similarly, having committed one crime does not define an entire community or demographic as inherently criminal, just as being the victim of a crime does not imply that all members of a community are potential offenders. Law enforcement officers must remain open-minded and avoid preconceived notions based on stereotypes or previous cases. However, repeated exposure to similar criminal behaviors can cloud objectivity, leading to biases that reinforce negative perceptions from society.

Gary Weaver notes that while law enforcement strives to uphold equal standards regardless of cultural, racial, or gender differences, diversity within police ranks can challenge this ideal. Even officers in uniform are not immune to biases inherited from societal influences, and acknowledging this is crucial for law enforcement agencies committed to diversity and inclusion (Weaver, 1992). Building trust requires ongoing efforts to recognize and mitigate biases, foster community engagement, and demonstrate accountability and transparency.

In conclusion, the criminal justice profession is inherently intertwined with issues of multiculturalism and diversity. Both law enforcement professionals and society at large share responsibility for understanding and addressing the complexities of cultural differences, perceptions, and stereotypes. Crime issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, gun violence, and armed robbery reflect underlying social, economic, and cultural factors that demand sensitive and informed responses. Moving forward, enhanced education, community engagement, and transparent communication are vital to fostering mutual understanding and reducing negative stereotypes, ultimately strengthening the effectiveness and legitimacy of the criminal justice system.

References

• Dictionary. (2017). Multiculturalism. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com
• Justice A. C. (2015). Insights from Deputy Chief Ondra Berry. Reno Police Department.
• Weaver, G. (1992). Naïve assumptions regarding cultural diversity. Law Enforcement Bulletin, September.
• Wasilewski, A. (2016). More Than a Cop: Why memories matter for the well-being of police officers. Retrieved from https://policeone.com
• Alvernia University. (2015). Multicultural issues in Criminal Justice. Alvernia University.
• Olsen, A., & Wasilweski, A. (2016). The importance of cultural awareness in law enforcement. Journal of Criminal Justice.
• National Institute of Justice. (2018). Crime and Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities. NIJ Reports.
• Smith, R. (2020). Community Policing and Multiculturalism. Police Journal, 93(4), 30-45.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2019). Racial Disparities in Criminal Justice. DOJ Publications.
• Thomas, C. (2021). Building Trust: Strategies for Law Enforcement and Communities. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 32(2), 202-219.