Criminal Justice Goals and Challenges
In this course, the major topic discussed throughout has revolved around the roles and objectives of the criminal justice system. The law enforcement agencies confront with numerous challenges every day while defending and safeguarding the well-being of the Americans. The three levels of the law enforcement agency have resolved into working as a single entity to overcome the perceived challenges. Other entities that work alongside the enforcement agencies such as correctional facilities, probation, and parole departments have also helped in addressing the security challenges. In addition, the services offered by the Court system and correctional department also require a lot of support, but each division is governed by a set of goals and objectives. Moreover, the federal government has continued to reinforce the goals and objectives of the justice system. However, the financial concerns have disrupted the fight against insecurity and therefore, the government is endowed with the obligation of shifting its energy in reinforcing the various security agencies. Considering the high prevalence of cybercrimes and other security threats, the major focus in addressing this problem should be embedded into the three levels of government and become part of the overall goals and objectives.
Differing Goals and Objectives
The law enforcement is comprised of various agencies, which may range from police departments to federal agencies that provide security services on behalf of the government. Each agency has officers that hold different positions and ranks in protecting and serving the welfare of all the citizens indiscriminately. Furthermore, each agency is guided by a distinctive mission and operates within a particular jurisdiction. As such, the jobs offered by each agency differ, and therefore, the goals and objectives vary.
The Federal law enforcement agency has been the dominant security force in America since establishment. Some of the famous examples of federal law enforcement agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrols, and DEA among others. Their obligation is to protect the borders, transportation system, and most importantly the terrorist attacks. With the increase in security vulnerabilities including cybercrimes, the law enforcement agency requires competent and skilled investigators to address security issues.
On the State level, the State police departments have been mandated with the overall power throughout the state to perform the general duties of the police officer. Some of the duties include conducting patrols on the highways and investigations within the jurisdiction of the State. However, in some states, the function of highway patrol and investigation are carried out by a distinct entity known as the State Bureau of Investigation. According to the study conducted by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies (2016), the Constitution gives the State authorities the mandate to arrest an offender that appears to violate the State laws. They need proper training to carry out some roles including Alco blow tests and traffic rules among other functions.
At the local level, the local enforcement officers are charged with the role of stopping and preventing the occurrence of crimes, taking statements, and issuing security reports as well as conducting interviews, especially during the court trials. In modern society, the local security officers, the patrol guide, and the sheriffs have almost similar roles. Each day, a local officer executes a different role, which makes their job more stressful. As such, this requires updated training to ascertain that all the security procedures are carried out accordingly. The primary objective of local enforcement is to enforce the safety and security of the members of the community. The local officers have been given the mandate of arresting any citizens that violate the Constitution.
Objectives of Probation, Parole, and Correctional Organizations
The first time wrongdoers, as well as those at low risk of avoiding arrest or future court appointments may be offered probation. This grants them liberty yet the normal citizens rarely receive the same degree of free will. Staff (2016) reckons that probation does not prevent jailing but rather reschedules or delays the sentencing. Furthermore, probation does not have a specific set of time but often depends on the constitution of a particular country as well as the nature of the offense committed. In essence, the aim of probation is to rehabilitate the offenders, safeguard the rights of the offenders, and prevent the members of the community from witnessing a future crime by the probationers. After an offender is granted probation, the probation officers are usually entrusted with the role of monitoring the behavior of the offenders as well as watching their compliance with the probation regulations.
In the same manner, the parole hearings are usually intended to grant freedom and relief to those offenders that have served jail time. Both probation and parole serve as an alternative of incarceration but the latter is seen as an early discharge from the prison. The offenders facing parole may go through similar processes and precautions as probationers, such as payment of fines/penalties. However, they usually report to parole officers rather than probation officers. The government may seek to privatize government services to ensure the safety of the citizens. The purpose of private security agencies is to protect the citizens that engage in businesses. Private Security agencies may contain advanced technology and sophisticated systems to offer better services. However, this does not mean that the government is unable to offer better security services. The privatization of security services is intended to reinforce the safety of the citizen.
Conclusion
The Criminal Justice System plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of people. However, the challenges encountered by the Justice department are numerous and, therefore, requires urgent attention. The Criminal Justice department confront with numerous challenges every day while defending and safeguarding the well-being of the Americans. The three levels of the law enforcement agency at the Federal, State and Local levels have resolved into working as a single entity to overcome the perceived challenges.
References
Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. (2016). Federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies. Retrieved December 07, 2016, from http://users.soc.umn.edu/~samaha/cases/federal_and_local_law_enforcement_agencies.html
Staff, F. (2016). Difference between Probation and Parole. Retrieved December 12, 2016, from http://criminal-law.freeadvice.com/criminal-law/parole_probation/probation_parole_pardon.htm