CJS/201 Version 2 / 1
Week Two Listen to Me First
Narrator: Welcome to the Week Two podcast for CJS/201, Introduction to Criminal Justice. Each weekly podcast is a discussion with a Subject Matter Expert who provides a brief overview of the weekly topics, and how you can apply them in the field of criminal justice.
This week, we’ll discuss the police and law enforcement.
Narrator: How has policing changed since its inception?
SME: During the late 1700s and early 1800s, policing in America was focused on controlling certain groups of people. Residents in Boston, MA created the first formal night police force, and later assembled the first formally organized police department. New York created a unified day and night police unit under one chief because corruption was a major issue during that time.
In 1929, President Hoover created the Wickersham Commission to review what was needed for police reform. In the 1960s, the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War highlighted the problems between the police and the public. Many new programs were started and by the 1980s, the focus was more on partnerships with the community.
The basic requirements for being a police officer and the structure of police departments are fairly standardized throughout the United States. Patrol is considered the backbone of the department, and most police officers are initially assigned to patrol work. One issue that creates a challenge for American policing is the police subculture, which prescribes the basic assumptions and values that can permeate law enforcement agencies.
Narrator: Can you explain what you mean when you say it creates a challenge?
SME: Absolutely. Police are responsible for protecting citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. They must also enforce the law equally and without bias. Because many unacceptable police practices were allowed in the past, amendments were enacted and case law—such as Miranda rights—changed police conduct to ensure that citizens’ rights were protected.
There are various police functions and theories related to crime control, such as community-oriented and problem-oriented policing. You’ll also discuss the evolution of modern police since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Police agencies are now involved in issues related to national security, in addition to addressing local crimes. The Department of Homeland Security was created to oversee multiple federal agencies, and can form partnerships with local law enforcement.
Today, police officers face a variety of new concerns after 9/11. Officers must weigh probable-cause concerns with possible national security issues. In many states, police officers are asked to enforce federal immigration laws, which were previously under the jurisdiction of federal agencies.
Narrator: What should students keep in mind throughout this week?
SME: One of the most important concepts to grasp is the fundamental rights of individuals who come in contact with law enforcement. The accused have certain basic rights, such as the right against unreasonable search and seizure and protection from personal harm. Consider how these individual rights must be effectively balanced against the concerns of law enforcement, which has the goal of preventing crimes and apprehending offenders. As you read and discuss the topic this week, ask yourself whether information is consistent with what you previously thought, and how it differs from what is presented in popular media.
Narrator: Well, this week’s topic sounds like it will lead to some great discussion. Thanks to our subject matter expert this week for being with us, and thanks to the students for listening. We hope this gives you an idea of what you can expect this week. You can look forward to much more in the coming weeks. Until next time, be safe and be educated.
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