Select A Criminological Theory That Informs Your Understandi ✓ Solved

Select a criminological theory that informs your understanding

For this assignment, you will submit your in-depth analysis of the contemporary criminal justice issue that you have selected. This analysis will identify factors contributing to the issue by examining the criminological theories behind it. Specifically, what criminological theory forms your understanding of the issue? Indicate the impact of this issue on the criminal justice system. For example, how does the issue impact law enforcement, the courts, and corrections? Address the negative impacts of the issue on the criminal justice system, the general public, and specific populations. Then, identify the strategies to influence change. Be sure to cite any data you have analyzed so far, data which you will rely upon to provide recommendations to your criminal justice issue in both the Module Six Short Paper and your Milestone Three submission in Module Seven.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: II. Issue Analysis A. Select a criminological theory that informs your understanding of the issue, justifying your selection. B. Identify factors contributing to the issue, justifying your identifications with the selected criminological theory. In other words, what are the factors contributing to the issue? How is the identification of these factors supported by the selected theory? C. Describe how the issue impacts the criminal justice system, providing specific examples of how the branches of the criminal justice system are affected by the issue. For example, how does the issue impact law enforcement, the courts, and corrections? D. Describe how the issue impacts the general public, providing specific examples. Does the issue affect specific populations? E. Determine the key stakeholders of the issue, identifying both the key people impacted by the issue, as well as those with the power to influence change. Justify your selections. F. Describe strategies that are currently employed to address the issue. These strategies may be used in the community with the issue, or in a different community with the same issue. G. Assess the effectiveness of the previously identified strategies in addressing the issue, justifying your assessment. How effectively do the strategies combat the issue, and where are there gaps? H. How does your previous assessment impact the specific branches of the criminal justice system? Justify your response. In which branches are the strategies most and least effective?

Your submission should include reference to recent peer-reviewed articles, be at least 2 pages in length (in addition to title and reference pages) and should use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Use APA style to cite your sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page.

Paper For Above Instructions

The contemporary issue of the inappropriate or excessive use of force within policing has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly following high-profile incidents involving police brutality. This issue not only affects public trust in law enforcement but also has far-reaching implications for the entire criminal justice system. For this analysis, I will focus on the application of Social Control Theory as it pertains to the inappropriate use of force by police officers. The theory helps to understand the mechanisms that regulate individual behavior within society and can highlight the failings within law enforcement when officers misuse their power.

Understanding the Issue through Social Control Theory

Social Control Theory, proposed by Travis Hirschi, suggests that people's relationships, commitments, values, and norms within society influence their behavior. When these social bonds are weakened, the propensity for deviant behavior increases. In the context of policing, when officers have inadequate social controls, such as insufficient oversight, lack of accountability, or a culture that tolerates excessive force, instances of inappropriate conduct are more likely to arise. This theory helps to justify the selection because it directly relates to the factors that contribute to misuse of force, which often stems from a systemic breakdown in trust and oversight mechanisms within police departments.

Factors Contributing to Excessive Use of Force

Key factors contributing to the excessive use of force include inadequate training, lack of accountability, and a culture of fear and aggression. For instance, police officers may not receive sufficient training in de-escalation techniques, leading them to resort to force too quickly (Harris, 2009). Furthermore, with the presence of a strong ‘us vs. them’ mentality among some officers, the likelihood of inappropriate force increases, especially against marginalized communities. This is supported by Social Control Theory as the breakdown of societal norms surrounding appropriate police conduct contributes to the normalization of excessive use of force.

Impact on the Criminal Justice System

The ramifications of excessive force extend across the branches of the criminal justice system. Law enforcement agencies face challenges with community relations and public trust, which can lead to increased protests and civil unrest (Harris, 2009). The judicial system is affected as cases of police brutality reach courts, influencing jury perceptions and trial outcomes. Moreover, corrections facilities may see a rise in incarceration rates of individuals who might otherwise have been deterred from criminal activity if law enforcement operated within acceptable norms.

Effects on the General Public

The general public experiences a range of negative impacts due to the misuse of force. For marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, the perception of policing as a threatening presence leads to a lack of trust and cooperation with law enforcement. According to Phillips, Kim, and Gramaglia (2020), excessive force has a disproportionate impact on these communities, perpetuating cycles of conflict. Additionally, the fear instigated by possible police misconduct discourages community engagement and reinforces stereotypes, limiting social cohesion.

Key Stakeholders

Key stakeholders in addressing the issue of excessive force include law enforcement officials, community leaders, policymakers, and the public. Police officers directly impact the implementation of force protocols and are influenced by training and department culture. Community leaders can advocate for reforms and build relationships between law enforcement and the public to restore trust. Policymakers have the authority to enact regulations that promote accountability measures within police departments (Lawson, 2021). Justifying these stakeholders’ roles is crucial for suggesting holistic and comprehensive approaches to reform.

Current Strategies and Their Effectiveness

Some strategies currently employed to address the issue include the implementation of body-worn cameras and community policing initiatives. Body cameras are intended to increase transparency and accountability by recording officer interactions. However, challenges arise such as limited access to footage and concerns over data management (Phillips, Kim, & Gramaglia, 2020). Community policing aims to build trust between officers and the community, but its effectiveness varies widely among different precincts.

Assessing these strategies reveals their potential but also highlights gaps. While body cameras can mitigate misconduct if utilized properly, they do not act as a complete solution without ongoing training for officers on situational judgment (Lawson, 2021). Similarly, community policing requires commitment and adequate resources to be successful, which can be inconsistent across departments.

Impact on Criminal Justice Branches

The assessment of these strategies has implications for various branches of the criminal justice system. Law enforcement benefits from improved accountability measures; however, the lack of adherence can undermine effectiveness. The judicial branch must navigate cases involving body camera footage, which can sometimes complicate legal proceedings due to privacy concerns. Corrections may also feel the impact as the distrust in policing leads to broader societal implications, affecting all actors within the criminal justice continuum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the inappropriate and excessive use of force presents a complex challenge within the criminal justice system. Utilizing Social Control Theory aids in understanding the underlying factors that culminate in such behavior among law enforcement. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, focusing on implementing effective change strategies aimed at fostering trust, accountability, and community collaboration.

References

• After the death of George Floyd, fifteen thousand people gathered in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza to protest. (2020). First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, 308, 67.
• Harris, C. (2009). Police Use of Improper Force: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Victims & Offenders, 4(1), 25–41.
• Lawson, T. F. (2021). Awakening the American Jury: Did the Killing of George Floyd Alter Juror Deliberations Forever? Houston Law Review, 58(4), 847–865.
• Phillips, S. W., Kim, D.-Y., & Gramaglia, J. (2020). The impact of general police officer outlooks on their attitudes toward body-worn cameras. Policing: An International Journal, 43(3), 451–467.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
• Friedman, L. M. (1993). A History of American Law. Simon & Schuster.
• Miller, J. (2013). The Social Control of Crime. Nova Science Publishers.
• Bowling, B., & Phillips, C. (2007). Disproportionate and Discriminatory: A Critical Review of the Evidence on Police Racial Violence. New York University Law Review.
• Goff, P. A., et al. (2016). The Science of African American Racial Bias. The American Economic Review: Papers and Proceedings, 106(5), 246-250.
• Smith, R. (2019). The Impact of Police Use of Force on the Community. Journal of Criminal Justice and Law Review, 12(1), 55-80.