Law Questions
Please answer the following questions based on the readings and lectures in module 5. The Assignment is worth 50 points (10 points for each question).
Make sure to answer each question completely, and in full sentences. You are required to cite the textbook and other course materials that you find relevant. The formatting is as follows: 12-point Time New Roman Font, double spaced with 1 inch margins all around, citations in APA format.
The content of your writing should be at a minimum one and a half to two full pages of writing (excluding the reference page). Please do not write in the first person and do not repeat the questions in your respond page.
Explain the differences between the Hollywood detective and the realities of detective work. Use examples to illustrate. Why are these differences potentially harmful?
The textbook describes two different approaches to policing drugs. Describe each using examples to illustrate.
What is CAPS and why is it important? What were the major obstacles to the implementation of the CAPS program?
Explain the Broken Windows theory.
What is SARA? Describe each stage, and use examples to illustrate each.
Hollywood Detective vs. Real Detective
In the real world, crime fighting is painful and painstakingly slow due to the little autonomy given to solving these cases. In reference to real detectives versus Hollywood detectives, the latter are always doing interviews, interrogations and dealing with exaggerated violence when capturing suspects or criminals. Most of the cases handled by Hollywood detectives are closed within a short period successfully for instance in shows like CSI Las Vegas (Jones, 2003). However, the situation is different for real detectives who are bound by bureaucracy, rules and constant supervision by technical advisers who advise on doing things the right way consistently. TV detectives are rarely seen following any procedures yet the real detective has to deal with a chain of custody when handling evidence such as taking a gun from a suspect. Hollywood’s detectives do not portray the hard work needed in both training and real crime settings (Jones, 2003). Those who would want to become detectives do not understand the dangers and stresses associated with it. The public will not understand how the cases in real life take a lot of time. This easily creates conflict between the two entities because of the lack of knowledge.
Approaches to Policing Drugs
The two primary approaches to policing drugs include Hot spots Policing and Problem Oriented Partnership (National Institute of Justice, 2020) Hot spots policing incorporates policing activities that focus on hot spots of crime activities. The police will use tactics such as raiding suspected drug houses, busting any purchase operations, having curfews among others. This approach believes in if crime is eliminated in hot spots then total crime across the region will be reduced. The second approach, Problem Oriented Partnership entails focussing on high crime areas by relying on agencies and partnerships outside of law enforcement (National Institute of Justice, 2020). Partnerships with building inspectors, businesses owners and community members will have these groups support any police initiatives against drug use and any associated challenges. The interventions are highly diversified with a high degree of focus.
Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)
CAPS is a community driven policing strategy whose main objective is bridging the gap between the police and Chicago citizens (Ashcroft, Daniels & Hart, 2002). The program seeks to prevent and control crime in five districts in Chicago. It incorporates traditional policing approaches with alternative strategies to encourage community members and the police to work together. Implementation of the CAPS programs faces several challenges such as an increased immigrant population of Asians and Latinos. The new population has a new language, culture and personal difficulties that makes it hard to involve them into community policing (Ashcroft, Daniels & Hart, 2002). An imbalance in resource allocation such as beat officers has led to some groups feeling left out in the community interactions and police efforts.
Broken Windows Theory
The Broken Windows Theory was developed from the view that serious crime such as rape, robbery and murder was a final outcome to a longer chain of events (McKee,2018). Crime is noted to emanate from disorder and eliminating disorder will be eliminating serious crimes. The prevalence of this theory creates fear among the minds of citizens who get convinced that a particular region is not safe. The theory posits that the citizens withdraw themselves from these regions thus weakening social controls that kept the criminals in check (McKee, 2018). Ultimately, disorder causes crime and the latter leads to further disorder and further crime. The beginning of a process that continually feeds itself.
SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment) Model
The SARA Model is a problem solving model utilized in community-oriented policing with an aim of changing community perceptions on crime and law enforcement. The four stages in the model include:
1. Scanning entailing the search of recurring issues in a community (ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, 2020). The recurring issues such as crimes are further looked into in terms of the victims, severity, types, consequences and the broad goals to be achieved concerning them
2. Analysis of the challenges where respective crime reports are analyzed and consultations with community members conducted to identify root causes. Extensive research is required in this stage considering how complex the rot causes could get.
3. Response stage where law enforcers and community members work together to create a comprehensive and long-lasting plan to deal with the challenge’s root causes (ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, 2020). Addressing the root causes ensures that the problems are completely prevented in the first place.
4. Assessment stage done by both law enforcers and community members of the done actions to search on the effectiveness (ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, 2020). Any appropriate and useful adjustments are done for better results.
References
Ashcroft, J., Daniels, J.D. & Hart, V.S. (2002). Taking Stock: Community Policing in Chicago. National Institute of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/189909.pdf
ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing. (2020). The SARA Model. Arizona State University. Retrieved from https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/sara-model-0
Jones, E. (2003). Reality vs Fantasy in Occupational portrayals on the small screen. Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2003/fall/art01.pdf
McKee, A. (2018). Broken windows theory | Description & Results. Britannica.com. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/broken-windows-theory
National Institute of Justice. (2020). Street-Level Drug Law Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.crimesolutions.gov/PracticeDetails.aspx?ID=49
